On My Way

An original poem by Rabia Subhani

On my way to myself, I hit a few roadblocks. First, I ran into my ego, which begged me to stay. “But I need to go,” I said. “Stay a while,” said my ego. “Stay here where it’s warm and cozy.” “I will give you all you need, if you just stay a bit longer.” “You take more than you give,” I said, “I must be on my way.” And I left. Then I met a charismatic man. “Stay with me and be my love,” he said. “No,” I said, “I’m on my way to find myself” “You can do that with me,” he vowed. “I will protect and take care of you.” “I don’t need another to take care of me,” I replied. “And I cannot find myself if I am lost in another,” so he let me be. Next I met a spiritual teacher, a wise old lady. “Stay with me and I will teach you things you’ve only dreamt of; secrets about the heavens and the stars; wonders beyond your wildest dreams.” “I can’t,” I said. “I have learned all I can from others.” “Now it’s my turn, I must go out on my own” and I left. Finally, I met a little girl: My younger me, it seemed. “Stay,” she implored. “We can play and have fun; Swim in ocean waves and Frolic among flowers; And dance in the rain.” “I am long past that stage,” I protested, And I think I’ve forgotten.” Amidst the hustle, bustle, and stress of life, I had indeed forgotten. “You are never too old and it’s never too late,” she said with a serene smile on her face. “If you don’t play, you’ve lost at life.” “Feed your joy.” “And starve your fear.” “Dance away your pain.” “And love, dear one.” “Choose to live in Divine love, and you will never be alone or afraid.” And so I stayed and played and loved, And so I found myself.