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The Voice I stood and watched the rain,
The lightning flashed and thunder crashed.
I marveled at the magnificence of Nature unleashed,
And the thundering voice said, "I Am."

I saw the green trees basking in the sunlight,
Through the clear air bird songs rang,
Proclaiming delight at being alive on such a day.
And the musical voice said, "I Am."

I listened as the water babbled over the rocks,
In the brook... rushing ever onward,
Their destination not yet known.
And the quiet voice said, "I Am."

I watched the happy children at play,
Running, jumping, laughing, yelling.
I rejoiced in their joy,
And the happy voice said, "I Am."

I watched the hawk circling overhead,
Scanning the ground for prey,
I admired his graceful flight.
And the far voice said, "I Am."

"Who are you?" I asked of the voice,
"To speak to me in a thousand different voices,
"And to add to my perplexity,
"with but a cryptic 'I AM'?"

And the loving voice answered me saying,
"I Am the Earth Mother that gives life to all,
"I Am Nature that nourishes that life.
"I Am the freedom of flight."

"And I Am the joy of children at play,
"I Am the majesty of the storm,
"I Am the waters questing ever onward,
"I Am the power of the ocean."

"I Am Ra and Isis, Odin and Thor,
"I Am the God and Goddess of the Pagan,
"I Am God of the Christian,
"I Am the Great Spirit, I Am Allah."

"I Am the smallest ant and the largest whale,
"I Am your neighbor, your brother, your sister,
"I AM your mother, father, friend and foe,
"I Am your children, your lover."

"I Am all that you have ever seen and known,
"I Am all that you have ever been or will be,
"I Am everything that is or will be, I Am you,
"And ultimately, I AM Life."

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© 1999 Charles H. Grooms