Epiphany

One autumn afternoon
While walking home from my Zentherapy session
A raven flew over me and circled three times before flying off.
I knew it was a sign beyond imagining
And I felt a wild joyous shock.
It was as if fifteen seconds of the space/time illusion
Had been ripped open to reveal eternity.

I spent the rest of the day in a stupor
Dazed in the arms of the Goddess
Although on a rational level
I knew that something in my understanding was missing
What did the raven's perfect circular loops mean?

I asked a wise old woman if there was any message in the raven's flight.
"It is simple" my mentor replied, "You encountered a larger awareness
    that knows both you and the raven."
Hearing this filled me with joy and understanding
I laughed and cried and wet my pants all at the same time.

Meanwhile the raven had flown off to Ojai to winter in the lemon groves
The raven had no friends
His only neighbors were a pair of crows
Who sang sarcastic songs and sneered at the pigeons
"Look" said one of the crows,
"They fly together in a mob and lie to each other."
"Which explains why they are so satisfied with themselves."
The child in me understood the self-esteem of the pigeons
The loneliness of the raven
And the cruelty of the crows.
I made my choice
And I no longer wander alone
Lost and afraid.