I Met An Angel

While browsing through a building that said, “LIBRARY” outside, Searching for the answer to a question that I’d tried All my life to chance upon, it wasn’t looking good, But - what I felt I’d never find - I very shortly would. I thirsted for…a “deity,” and, though true faith is blind… It just feels more appropriate to have within your mind Something “real” to pray to, from the bottom of your heart, But now…with all these options…I didn’t know where to start. I checked to see that I had actually found the proper place, And none would doubt I had…to see my disillusioned face! On the endless shelves that stretched away from where I looked, Floor to ceiling, far as I could see, were countless books. So now the great dilemma turned from wonder into grief, To find this many answers to my question on -- “belief.” As I sat there staring at the countless books on gods, This tiny, older lady…close to ninety…gently prods To snap me out of total shock, and when I’d finally turn, “What, young man,” she softly asked, “have you come here to learn?” I’m hunting for a book that holds the key to what is ‘right,’ And hope to find a work which - on this subject - sheds some light.” “Son,” she said…as with a smile she looked me in the eye… “Reading every book you see would waste your time. Here’s why: You don’t need a book to know what constitutes a ‘sin.’ You can find the answer to your question - deep within. If you simply search your soul I’m confident you’ll find ‘Right’ and ‘truth’ already there…within your heart and mind. Several books you’re looking at may tell you what to do… But what you really need, my child, is deep inside of you.” Her words were so prophetic…and I’ve truly come to see The wisdom she bestowed has made a better man of me! I never had to read a book on “deities” that day. Instead…I met an angel, and, through her…I found my way. (1981)