We all search for ourselves, but most of us go through life without ever understanding who we are, and often try to be what others want us to be. Writing has helped me get from point a to point be in understanding who I am, but that can change on a daily basis. The best we can hope for is to be happy with who we are, and find our zen. Great poem Jerry.

You have amazingly covered your life story in a short poem.

Ron

Many things can be found in the swamp, that's were the heart has the freedom to set itself free from all illusions and find its authentic self "you". When we look back in our lives we have done many things we wish we had done with a wise man/woman's hat. We need to thank God for the people saints in our lives that help save us from ourselves. I love your poetry, and your tender heart. Have a great day dear poet.

Whatever happened before which take you to where you enjoy where you are. It was all worth it. In life, we all walk different walks, and the experience we gained are valuable assets to ourselves. If you enjoy where you are it only means you have walked the right walk.

Sandie

Whatever it took, you did it and indeed did find yourself within yourself. Very cool!

Love ya!

Jane

Not often expressed, "I found my Zen" as for many, the idea of Zen is frightening, or intimidating. To know you've connected with your personal rewarding sense of "nothingness" is a virtue. For to accept the possibility that most of what society interprets as important to our well being is far too often a ploy to control our personal intellect and capacity for compassion for all that is nature and man. To be inclined to pursue the more elevated idea that much of what is perceived as reality is an illusion, that which is arguably the outside delusions of a society's pandemic of the wanna-be syndrome,is what becomes the waking every day and thinking... what suffering will I be subjected to today. You've tapped into that inner reality, Zen, that is a salvation to many of us with pain and baggage that the outside reality can never make go away. Internal reality, its minimalist needs to just be its own being that has the power to choose that which continues to be lessons, that which has been learned and can be allowed to rest in the attic of mind, and that which needs to be in the forefront of one's resolute focus. Another reaching out piece of wordsmithing, destined for readers who will tap into themselves and identify. Pity the numbers that cannot identify with your words. Only those uninterested in the alternate way will reject your lexicon of thought, you having already realized the reward process and is willing to share it. Your words remind me of Philip Martin's book "The Zen Path Through Depression." Kudos, Jerry.