Poem for the week of February 4, 2008. This week's writing is really more of a story, inspired by an actual morning on Bennett Hill.

 

Morning on Bennett Hill

 

It was a magical morning to be awake on Bennett Hill,

The horses and cows were blowing fog from their nostrils

   as geese and crows competed for the

   shrouded, airy currents.

 

The rising sun looked like a white ghostly lantern

   as it tried to penetrate the mysterious steam

   that enfolded everything in a sheer gray woven fabric.

 

I heard a chorus of joy rising from the Onesquethaw Creek

   and as I ran to discover the source of the song

   I saw angels rising from the mist that blanketed the waters.

 

A gentle wind was stirring and the angels were chanting:

   "Holy is the wind. Hallowed is the wind that stirs the waters

     and brings us breath!"

 

As the breeze dispersed the mist and the sun burnt off the fog

   I watched the chorus fade, still chanting.

   And staring at the water I saw smiles in the waves

   and heard laughter in the currents.

 

I took up the angel's chant

   "Holy is the wind. Hallowed is the wind that stirs the waters

     and brings us breath!"

And I heard the wind reply:

   "Holy is this Earth. Hallowed is this Earth that calls our names

     and gives us Life!"

                                  -CAF-

Poem for the week of February 17, 2008. This poem was written last fall during a walk at the Five Rivers Nature Preserve.

 

The Orchard Trail by the Pond

 

This is such a holy place, this pond

  and the adjoining orchard.

Many ferns on the banks are browning up for fall,

   and some are red and yellow.

 

Yesterday a Blue Heron was fishing here

   although it flew off when I arrived

   annoyed, I imagined, at my intrusion upon its solitary feast.

 

Leaves golden against the gray sky

   shiver and then fly free in response as Your gentle breath flows around them.

Birds whistle for You as the air turns cool

   and You answer, calling them to their winter homes.

 

Maybe - if I am very still

   I will hear You passing by,

   See You walking,

   See the colors of Your face,

   Feel Your heart.

Maybe - if I become like a leaf or a bird

   I will know Your plan for me.

       -CAF-