The Alter of Illusion
How else can you find joy in a joyless place
Except by realizing you are not there?
— From A Course in Miracles, received by Helen Schucman
Paths cross
In shadow
And light
In love
And hate
As we stumble
Blindly
Toward the edges
Never knowing what lies
Ahead
Always fearful
Always scarred
Always asking
Why
There is little
If any
Happiness
To be found
Here on earth
Whether alone
Or with someone
By your side
You will still suffer
You will still doubt
You will still want to die
On your bad days
Each of us takes his
Own journey
Even in the arms of
Another
The dance is the joining of
Sorrow and hope
At the alter of illusion
A Collection of Perceptions 
October 18, 2009 at 10:35 am
You will still suffer
You will still doubt
You will still want to die
On your bad days
Each of us takes his
Own journey
Even in the arms of
Another
These lines really resonate with me and I liked that you put the poem in the context by the use of that fabulous quote.
October 20, 2009 at 6:35 am
This is sadly stunning. Hit home.
There is no such thing as reality only perception – isn’t that what Nietzsche said?
Thank you for this.
October 20, 2009 at 7:22 am
You are correct, Nietzsche among others. Glad you connected.
October 20, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Ah, but in common perception there is a semblance of reality, Fantasia Lillith.
If reality is merely perception, then to change the reality of your situation, you need only change your perception of your situation.
It is true that we suffer, and it is said that we all think about wanting to end it at some point, but to push on and love in spite of suffering, that is our true purpose.
Beautiful Poem Scarlett.
October 22, 2009 at 9:16 am
Thanks Brandon. You are right.