The Presence

Looking back over my life,

Having attained my three score years and ten,

(And a few more, to be quite honest),

I recognize the Thread which has run through it;

The Presence which, from time to time

Has manifested itself,

In times of stress or distress,

And sometimes for no apparent reason whatsoever.

That Presence which I now realize

Was and is always there,

Waiting, with patient Love,

For me to have the elementary common sense

To shed off my ego - carapace

And open up to it.

Help me Lord to forgive myself 

(For I know that You forgive me)

For all those wasted hours

When I have allowed myself to lose awareness of You

And Your love and Your guidance and Your protection.

Your Presence.

I solemnly undertake, dearest Baba - Guru - Avatar,

(Having now passed my three score years and ten),

To be more constant, before it is too late

For this time round.

~ John Spencer ~