16. Poem: Belovedness in Three Parts
1.
Belovedness.
Of what else
to write?
Of what else
to pray?
Of what else
to live?
But to
be loved.
2.
Relax.
The leaf falls
unnoticed
and unbidden.
The seed descends
the canopy.
It’s forested fate
unknown.
The ant moves
here and there
unaware.
Of what?
Unaware as
I am of your
creaturely care.
3.
The tack of
the universe
towards your
kitchen table.
A candle lit
in the window
as I approach
at the end
of a long day.
17.
The joy of birdsong
is no less complete
though I know not
the language of birds.
The ingenuity of this tree
is no less marvelous
though I have not the
eyes to see the decades of dance
and play.
18. Poem: On a Prayer Retreat
1.
Prayer flags dance
outside my window
and in the sun.
I hear birds
but do not see them.
They are dancing in the
trees outside my window
and below in the yard.
Out the window
and across the city
I see what has
become large white clouds.
The puffy kind.
I don’t know their name.
When I am still
and wait
I see them move
twist and curl
and spin.
Outside my window
and with the
prayer flags.
2.
The clouds
are patient
yet brilliant
and bright
in their
unhurried
pace.
As they
teach me
lessons
of beauty
and brilliance
and light.
3.
My life is a prayer flag
fluttering in the wind.
Unknowing and inarticulate
yet crafted
to pour forth
praise.