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