Deep in the brown bosom
Where all the temples rose
I wandered in a land
That I had never owned
With millions all around.

I had been here before
But never to this place
Which seemed so nearly home
Yet was so far away
I was not here at all.

There was a central mound
That took away my breath
So steep it was and round
So sudden by my side
So Asia all beyond.

And when I came inside
I had to walk barefoot
For this was holy ground
Where I was being taught
To worship on a mat.

A great white wind arose
And shakes of temple bells
Descended from the eaves
To make this gold and brown
One continent of love.

And only my own lack
Of love within the core
Sealed up my temple door
Made it too hard to break
And forced me to turn back.