Ilene has given permission to publish the poem, Dying to Know. Referenced in Question #9, this poem expresses the dance between mind and spirit. 

Dying to Know

Life is short
unless we forget
think we have forever.

Odd thing to house a soul
that is invisible
Physical me believes
she’s all there is.

How do these two get along?
How do I trust a part
who brings no physical evidence of existence?

Do I say “no” because this world
I see, touch and taste
carries more weight?

I want to know that other part better.
I want to see through her eyes.

Moments flicker in the corner of my being,
when I know she is there.
Things feel different,
More . .
         Vibrant,
                 loving,
                         true.

How do I include both?
I try meditation, dream work, yoga.
I listen,
        to my heart,
                my breath, 
                        my inner voice.

These are places I go
while dying to know
what is on the other side.   
       
Ilene Kouzel (c)   September 21, 2006