Explorers Poem by Mary Champion

As you set off to explore the world,
I marvel at your firm resolve.
How much courage must this involve?
All I could do was explore the word.

I read my way to understanding,
too timid for the open skies,
but still resolved to conquer lies.
That was my way to expanding

my mind so it might comprehend
solutions to the mysteries
that filled my heart with deep unease.
There were great mountains to ascend

to overcome my ignorance,
to find the treasure that I sought.
But everything that reading brought
still offered no deliverance

from doubt and fear. Still in the dark,
‘twas only when I realised
that every word I read disguised
an inner truth - the living spark

that only gnosis can reveal.
It was my inner journeying
that threw pure light on everything
and helped my wounded soul to heal.
 

As you seek to escape the cage,
that seems to set a boundary
round all that you aspire to be,
you turn to leave - I turned a page.

But when you've done your travelling
and gathered your experience
then, I suspect, you'll feel a sense
of a dimension that is missing.

And when you reach that point - like me -
you'll find a new world to explore.
You'll see what every journey's for
in practice or in theory.

And then dear heart, I hope you'll find
the answers that you seek
don't lie upon some lofty peak
but in your heart and soul and mind.