Heaven is not a place; it is a state; <br />not in the clouds, nor here on earth beneath; <br />heaven's not in front, behind, nor left nor right - <br />and yet, in love it comprehends all these. <br /> <br />God is not found by silence, nor by speech; <br />not found by fasting, nor by finest food; <br />not by seclusion, nor by company - <br />and yet, within all these, and all around. <br /> <br />There's nowhere, thus, to go; for all is here; <br />and nought to do but, present, here to rest; <br />and resting, wish and will and love God dear <br />with full intent; no other interest. <br /> <br />All's within the heart, so vast, so great - <br />for heaven's not a place; it is a state.<br /><br />Michael Shepherd<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/0161-heaven-thoughts-from-1350-ad-ce/