Amidst the terrible events in our nation and worldwide, amidst the sad conflicts our own mind creates, we can pause to appreciate what life offers, right here, right now.
Love Life
Here we ply the corridors of light
but we touch only penetrating darkness
while all around us the universal order
crackles with new-born pleasure.
Summer trees sigh in glistening sun
carp thrash lusty in fertile waters
toad smiles wisely in his calm leaf abode
every beagle and tom is on the prowl.
The wind meanders down the alleyways
hollyhocks shiver at her caressing
over all the hawk soars proudly
and the grand-scheme mouse quivers, alert.
How can we turn away to sorrow
when the Great Being has heaped our platter
we are willful, we lash our backs
curl inward, mightily seal our eyes.
Thunder over the mountain, in the desert
speaks with a voice we cannot fail to hear
though syllables may be obscure
the meaning of this sound is manifest:
Remember to love life in darkness hours
lean on faith and trust to find the light
creation is everywhere gaily unfolding
this moment is your stunning invitation.