tell me a secret

they told me about a secret place.
that sounded good to me –
a secret place.
their directions, however,
left much to be desired.

it’s in your heart, they said.
it’s in the shadow of the Almighty.
then let me be hidden away
there, quietly, in that shadow.

they told me that
i am known,
truly known, and,
in truth, i am
afraid of that.
still.

i’m still not quite sure i understand.

all i know is the work
of my hands.
the ways in which we draw
closer to an answer, the questions
pictured in the posture of the body.
the way in which we stand,
or kneel. the many ways 
in which we sleep.