Clearly she was an old crone

who had traveled life's highways and byways

but with nary a scratch to show

for the depth of her sorrows.

Her wisdom--

wisdom of oh so many years!--

shone a light so bright

and yet so calming--

I was transfixed,

I listened to her words

with a smile on my face

and joy blossoming in my heart.

"Everyone is enlightened, really, I mean who but an enlightened being would choose to come to this planet, the school of hard knocks, I mean really....,"

she said as she laughed heartily and smiled wide,

her white hair glimmering

under the soft lights of her room.

I laughed with her, yes,

what a beautiful thought,

what a beautiful lady,

"everyone is enlightened,"

a thought that sets my dancing heart free.