A Soul’s Return to the Our Golden Home
SS Shakta Kaur Khalsa, Herndon VA
April 14, 1996
After all these years, I finally meet you.
Not knowing you,
and with an ordinary view I went.
The first sight of you
as we arrived at 1 a.m.
weighted with our heavy duffels,
as we passed your steps---
there you were,
nested on the waters, quietly shining.
I was struck by your delicacy,
a treasure-house of gold figurines.
I had your sight at long last.
Each Amrit Vela I sit in the same, tiny spot
close to the heart of your court.
The kirtan so much in my ears,
the shine in the faces of your devotees
as they bow,and bow again before you
at every doorway, and every opportunity.
The heat of your gold,
the passion of the Sadh Sangat
as they rise to their feet as you approach---
chanting your praise with strength and devotion.
The happy moment arrives,
everyone strains to see you---
to bow before you,
to touch your sight, the aura of your lotus feet.
We are one body, one soul bride,
and our groom has arrived in all majesty.
Expectantly we wait for your Word.
Peace transports me outside now,
to the contrasting coolness of your smooth white marble.
I feel the approach of the daylight,
and all the promise it brings.
A sip here, a bow there,
a "Wahe Guru" uttered between two Gursikhs
as our eyes meet for a moment in passing.
The gurbani kirtan floats and mingles
with the nectarous water---
cool and peace-giving to me
as I walk the causeway to the parkarma.
The birds, like so many leaves in your holy trees,
chirping as as they feel the happiness
and blessing of where they live.
My son joyfully skips along the parkarma---
he, too, knows that he is home.
Smiling faces turn as he passes.
So many brothers and sisters we’ve not yet met,
but whom we know as shared souls
on this path of the Guru.
With a happiness that is also gratitude,
my husband and I smile at each other,
A blessed and blessing glance of grace passes between us.
We three came
and innocently found our home at your golden heart.
The pain of leaving pulls at me.
As I let go of it,
I know you are always there.
And you are here too---
in my heart, my golden heart.
That will never change.