There appeared to be
an abundance of them this year.

Or, perhaps, I just noticed them
more than I had in the past.

Gradually,
I was beginning to see beauty
where before I had only seen sorrow.

Slowly,
I was beginning to hear music
where before I had only heard cries.

But always, I knew.
I knew that what I saw
and what I heard was a message -
a message from my Self to my self.

That message told me
how I really felt,
what I really thought,
who I really was.

I could pretend to be happy,
but my Self knew if I was crying inside.

I could pretend to understand,
but my Self knew if I was confused.

I could pretend to listen to others,
but I knew that if I couldn't hear my Self
there was no one else to listen to.

And so I waited.
Soon the lilies will be in bloom.

Then I will know
that at last I am Home.
Home ~ inside my Self!