Where are you?

Often, I hear from or read about people in mid -life wondering what to believe about God.  Their childhood god is no longer believable.  Their understanding of heaven and hell have changed significantly, if they even believe in such places at all.  Many believe we create our own heavens or hells here on earth.  Many do not even think about it at all, religious things thrown away with the  games and toys of their youth.  Yet, in times of crisis, people search for something or someone that can explain what they are going through, give them comfort deep within, and allow them to have courage or to accept their circumstances.  The following is a poem I wrote in 2005 and has been the basis of my spiritual journey these past few years:

Where are You?

where are you
god of my childhood
o fearsome one
who kept me on the
straight and narrow
ready to punish or
banish
for one wrong step
outside the lines

where are you
god of my contemplation
o gentle one
who met me on the
mountaintop
ready with dreams
and visions
of life beyond and
life within

where are you
god of my darkest night
o missing one
who left me to my
own devices
ready with fear
and sorrow
hiding from questions that
had no answers

where are you
god of my liberation
o joyful one
who led me on the
paths of dancing
ready with insight
and inspiration
blessing every
new intention

where are you
if ever you were
there at all?

c) 12/18/2005