Pilgrim

Wisdom is the sad sweet thing

that falls upon a pilgrim

who finally comes home

after a long long journey

only to discover that it's all

the same, whether

one goes forth and returns,

or simply stays 
without going forth at all.

Did you leap 
at the voice that said, 
"Take the great journey

to the Holy Place?"

Or did you listen

to the wordless whisper,

barely a breath, 
that said, "Stay, awaken

right where you are!"

Image: St. James the Pilgrim by Hieronymus Bosch