I am,
said God to Moses from the burning bush.

I am the light of the world…
I am the way…
I am the gate…
I am the vine…
I am the bread…
Before Abraham was, I am…
said Jesus.

And when the light went dim,
When the way was run,
And the gate was left open,
And the vine was wilted,
And the bread was eaten,
what remained of him was:
I am.

I am a body.
I am a personality, defining a name.
I am a member of a tribe, a faith, a family, a profession.
I am all these identities and more.
But when all my identities pass away,
what will remain of me will be:
I am.

JIM BURKLO
Website: JIMBURKLO.COM Weblog: MUSINGS Follow me on twitter: @jtburklo
See my GUIDE to my books, “musings”, and other writings
Associate Dean of Religious Life, University of Southern California