It loves to play ‘ hide and seek ' , my soul.

Concealing itself in the shadows of my waking dreams.

It hides in the judgements of others and in their rules,

It lingers behind me as I walk their paths and not my own.

It hides in my busy days and the comfort of routine.

It waits behind the barriers of the past, the perceived wrong-doings, celebrated ‘ rights ' .

It hides in my nervousness and in my confidence,

In my children, and my mind.

It hides in my selflessness and selfishness,

In my smiling, nodding agreement -

Until,

Fed up with this indifferent seeker,

It jumps from its hiding place, hands on hips and yells,

Here I Am!