When I Was The Forest

When I was the stream, when I was the
forest, when I was still the field,
when I was every hoof, foot,
fin and wing, when I
was the sky
itself,

no one ever asked me did I have a purpose, no one ever
wondered was there anything I might need,
for there was nothing
I could not
love.

It was when I left all we once were that
the agony began, the fear and questions came,
and I wept, I wept. And tears
I had never known
before.

So I returned to the river, I returned to
the mountains. I asked for their hand in marriage again,
I begged—I begged to wed every object
and creature,

and when they accepted,
God was ever present in my arms.
And He did not say,
“Where have you
been?”

For then I knew my soul—every soul—
has always held
Him.

“When I Was the Forest” by Meister Eckhart, as rendered by Daniel Ladinsky, Love Poems From God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, translated by Daniel Ladinsky (Penguin Compass, 2002).

Opening reflection chosen and read by Nancy L.

_________________________________________________________

Photo by Sue J.

_____________________________________________________________

Walking outside in the cold quiet winter day was a joy filled, peaceful time.
Birds were singing with so much energy.
Along the paths were the colors of blooming flowers.
The mighty Oaks shared their strength and displayed their service.
And at the end, warmth from a fire and positive conversation brought it all together.
Departing, snowflakes filled the air completing these gifts.

Reflection by Mary W.

_____________________________________________________________

Cold drizzle, gray skies,

Quiet contemplation now,

At peace with all things. 

Reflections, shadows 

Expanding inward, outward 

Love grows in light, dark. 

Photos and haikus by Nancy L.