I sit by the labyrinth,
watching the evening shadows
descend here in the cathedral.
A woman sits on a cushion
in the center of the labyrinth,
her back straight, her body still.
The setting sun, shining through the stained glass,
splashes jewel-toned lights
on the stone walls of the church.
Sounds of the busy street
enter the windows and doors
on this warm summer evening.
A homeless person sits in the back
seeking respite from the street,
seeking shelter from the heat.
I, too, find respite here.
8/24/2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Psalm of Thanksgiving
Thank you, God, for this ordinary day,
this day with no crises.
Thank you for ordinary tasks,
washing windows, making beds.
Thank you for time to notice
the cool breeze coming through the window.
Thank you for time to watch the goldfinches
visiting the feeder in the yard.
Thank you for this time of respite
after the storms of this summer.
8/24/2010
this day with no crises.
Thank you for ordinary tasks,
washing windows, making beds.
Thank you for time to notice
the cool breeze coming through the window.
Thank you for time to watch the goldfinches
visiting the feeder in the yard.
Thank you for this time of respite
after the storms of this summer.
8/24/2010
Do Not Walk Away
I.
If I allow myself to sink into my fears,
If I share my fears with you,
If I weep, if I scream,
If I shake my fist at God,
If I allow myself to crumble,
If I stop trying to be calm,
stop trying to be strong,
If I allow myself to really lose it…
II.
Do not be afraid.
Do not offer advice.
Do not try to cheer me up.
Do not get angry with me.
Do not change the subject.
Do not offer me a drink or a pill.
Do not walk away.
Do not try to make me take care of you.
III.
I will not yell and scream forever.
I will not cry forever.
I will not be angry forever.
I will not go mad.
IV.
I will, when the storm is over,
become calm again.
I will, if you stay with me,
become once again my familiar self.
8/12/2010
If I allow myself to sink into my fears,
If I share my fears with you,
If I weep, if I scream,
If I shake my fist at God,
If I allow myself to crumble,
If I stop trying to be calm,
stop trying to be strong,
If I allow myself to really lose it…
II.
Do not be afraid.
Do not offer advice.
Do not try to cheer me up.
Do not get angry with me.
Do not change the subject.
Do not offer me a drink or a pill.
Do not walk away.
Do not try to make me take care of you.
III.
I will not yell and scream forever.
I will not cry forever.
I will not be angry forever.
I will not go mad.
IV.
I will, when the storm is over,
become calm again.
I will, if you stay with me,
become once again my familiar self.
8/12/2010
Ornitherapy
I laugh with delight
as I watch the saffron finches
perched on the feeder,
enjoying their breakfast.
Sparrows jockey for position
on the window feeder.
Mourning doves eat the berries
under the black cherry tree.
Blue jays scream
at the neighbor’s cat
when he ventures
into the yard.
Watching my backyard birds
as they go about their business
helps me to endure
and move forward.
8/12/10
as I watch the saffron finches
perched on the feeder,
enjoying their breakfast.
Sparrows jockey for position
on the window feeder.
Mourning doves eat the berries
under the black cherry tree.
Blue jays scream
at the neighbor’s cat
when he ventures
into the yard.
Watching my backyard birds
as they go about their business
helps me to endure
and move forward.
8/12/10
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