Transcendence Poem by Elizabeth Padillo Olesen

Once in our lifetime we celebrate
life in laughter and in joy,
at another time, the celebration
comes like a weeping over a bitter cup
Then again, we yearn for wholeness
that which we call, the original state.

What is it beyond our bodies
we want to migrate from?
What is it beyond our minds
we want to grasp?
What is it within us
that is so restless?
What is beyond our time and space?

Is it that makes life mortal, immortal?
Is it that makes finitude, an infinity?
Is it an eternity that calls us
beyond rubles or bitter cups?
Is it God within and beyond us?