I've been to Places

I've been to Places

by Cathryn flowers Ritchie

Part I

I've been to places where I've known being known,

and (in spite of or because of)

loved.

I've been places where I've known being unknown,

being snubbed, disliked or

(worse, worse)

been looked through,

around, over, under, on and and on

till there was no me.

I've been to myself

hating, loathing

loving, adoring-

every station in between.

And I've been to a place where I am known by I Am;

chastised, broken,

forgiven,

(never ignored)

And loved, loved, loved.

Part II

I've been to the smoky days of sorrow and beauty,

of darkness in the night-

where souls reach for the 'not yet'.

African beauties swaying with "Mu comma seem way";

charismatic choruses, to harmonies that make your heart bleed.

I've held hands high in praise

black on white on black-

and one.

I've cried because the knowing was deep and rich

(though the first moments of darkness

and irises brightly white frightened me to the bone).

"Will you come back?"

"No. It is too frightening, too heart-breaking,

too lovely.

But I will see you in heaven my friend."

Home.