I do not see us a born identity intact.
Soul yes … mortal who-I-am, no.

The first moment at birth 
we begin taking in cues and clues 
as to where we have arrived 
leads us to a wonder within 
and not mortal words we have yet to learn
to compose into phrases 
and to speak out loud”Who am I?

“We seek identity 
using resources at hand. 
This is our Eden
our first home 
we perceive 
with wide-eyed innocence
 and abounding curiosity.

We assume things 
0what we imagine 
visible things
sights and sounds 
and make assumptions 
where we are, 
who we are 
how we belong.

Some assumptions and imaginings
 prove incorrect 
and we fall 
from our little Eden, 
cause there are venues of error. 

We weep and give up our Eden,
enter a world 
ever stranger.
We have begun nourishment 
from a tree of knowledge 
able carry with us out of Eden.

We leave, 
more questions 
than answers, 
curiosity intact 
and journey through 
the Empire of Confusion.

Our path 
lit by awareness 
not blocked by darkness.
Why?

As new views appears
new promptings are felt. 
Yes, vast tracts
of unknowns
in the Empire.
But we err 
if we assume 
our path to identity 
is not lighted.

We learn to not rush about 
here and there, 
on and off our path
in aimlessness. 
We tread with curiosity 
and affection for learning. 

Our stride is light 
but not as in  tiptoe 
but as in dance; 
lively 
with pleasure of movement 
guided by rhythm 
and balance.

In this way 
calmness and awareness
of loving and being loved 
in the presence  
becomes possible.

Eden perhaps then 
is our constant companion.