#AtoZ Challenge Xenodochial

born,
as we all are,
with an un-formed intellect,
I am unable to recollect the early days
of my xenization on this complex planet.
At first, In my simplicity, I thought
that I was all, and all was me;
but after a while
I began to
separate
the
particles;
to understand
my mother was herself,
close by, but beyond my borders,
as was my teddy bear, and even my vest.
the trees above me were more distant,
and the sky was far away.
gradually all
the pieces
that
I
had
perceived
as mere extensions of myself
took on their individual characteristics,
became recognised as foreign bodies,
and I was left feeling –
as we all do –
lonely.

absorbed
in a sense of isolation,
it is easy to forget that
this world we inhabit
is xenodochial.

Xenization: The fact of journeying as a stranger.
Xenodochial: Given to receiving strangers; hospitable.

©Jane Paterson Basil