I must retreat
into that continent
which nurtured
and shaped me
to re-discover
the essence that's me-
into my own mind

for the years
have stormed
at its portals
threatened
its foundation
and tested
my endurance-
would I survive?

somewhere within
there's a well I discovered
from where I could draw
water to quench my thirst
or to cool my burning body
scorched by the unforgiving sun
it would never let me down
I would never
be left wanting

there's a mysterious tree
under its shade where
I can sit alone to reflect
and contemplate-
every moment
a stepping-back into time
awareness seeps in
though just a trickle
but so enlightening
that I begin to see
the reality of things
and am transformed
into a new being-
my core-self I touch
every pulse of my heart
I feel,  every sight illuminates
I am beyond myself
beyond time
beyond experience
beyond chaos
beyond doubt
beyond pain--

I am
I know I am.