1/2/12 Evening Notes

Birds swirling against the sunset like ensorcelled smoke

Pink peach ruffles flouncing upwards, generously flinging vapor droplets up and away

Tree tracings weaving a sculptured poem against the sky

I stand in the cool night air, spellbound,

Calling for you to share this gift

Creation

I go to walk in the wonder of creation,

Letting go the encircling indoor ways of man.

I stretch my heart and body free,

Learn to listen, see, touch, perceive.

There a hawk soars, here a tree stands.

Each place I look a miracle unfolds.

Small creatures rustle in the grass.

Tracks and paths lead everywhere.

Sky and earth, sun and air,

Rocks and water, animals and plants,

Treasures, teachers, companions, loves,

Four directions beckon me.

Thank you, God, for the gift of life,

And for the Earth, the gift of home.

The fresh wind blows the leaves to laughter,

Joy dances in my soul.

copyright 2011 Barbara Showalter

Why I Walk

We're a little late this morning.
I walk to the car barefoot,
carrying my socks and shoes,
barely noticing
the fresh cool dew on the grass.
No delays in driving;
I drop my daughter off
in time for her class.

Then I step out (shoes on)

and

o-p-e-n

my attention

to the world.


A quiet breath of welcome greets me.

I feel the soft kiss
of radiant morning sunshine
warm against my skin,

the soft cool stirrings of
the airy ocean in which I move.

I smell the subtle background fragrance
of sun-warmed earth and plants.

An oasis of shade, green leaves above
whispering intermittently in the breeze.

Sweet sharpness of blackberries,
plucked from their protective brambles.


I am home,

contentedly cradled

in my mother's womb.



copyright Barbara Showalter 2011