IN MATTER

For ages long, dark ages long, my consciousness has crouched within matter...., 
Once I looked through eyes on stalks; and grasped my food with pincher claws
Scrabbling about on the cold ocean floor.

Once I soared high on wings of gold, silhouetted by the sun
Only to be brought back to earth; by the cravings of the flesh, and by the ache of death. 

There's no relief, no freedom in this hiding within material forms,
The stars wheel, the seasons pass, the earth is born anew; yet I remain a prisoner of my 
own design, even after the universe has dissolved. When at last the forms of physical 
nature reappear...

I tender my application, 

Let me in again, 
Let me try again,
Let me suffer again.

All the while Krsna gazes with infinite compassion; from behind the eyes that look through 
these eyes, from beyond the darkness of my sight. He'll give me freedom, so that I can love Him.

But I recoil in fright.

"Why am I not like You?", I demand to know.

"But you are that also," was the sublime reply, "...as long as you serve. Through service 
we can share the consciousness of transcendental love equally, or even you may surpass Me, 
as many of My dear friends have done."

"But why must I serve?"

"That's our eternal nature. Look! I am serving you! How else could you fulfill your desires in this body?"

I am speechless and confused. I need help. The path of service opens like a shaft of light. The spiritual master offers his hand, 

"Come! You'll soon understand. Krsna has sent me to help you! You are very fortunate." 

This is the razor's edge. 

Maya beckons with a saucy glance, "But you haven't solved this puzzle yet. You were just getting good, you can't leave now!"

Now I see the reason for my identity. I am me to give up the false importance of being just me, 
for I am small and lost without Krsna - groping endlessly within the maze of this awesome cosmic structure. 

If I choose correctly I can fulfill all my wants, by serving His lotus feet. 

Strength is there if I want it,

Wisdom is there if I want it,

Success is there if I want it,

Truth is there if I want it,

Beauty is there if I want it,

Love is there if I want it,

Krishna is here if I want Him.