Eagle Poem

To pray you open your whole self

To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon

To one whole voice that is you.

And to know there is more

That you can’t see, can’t hear

Can’t know except in moments

Steadily growing, and in languages

That aren’t always sound but other

Circles of motion.

Like eagle that Sunday morning

Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky

In wind, swept our hearts clean

With sacred wings.

We see you, see ourselves and know

That we must take the utmost care

And kindness in all things.

Breathe in, knowing we are made of 

All this, and breathe, knowing

We are truly blessed because we 

Were born, and die soon, within a

True circle of motion,

Like eagle rounding out the morning

Inside us.

We pray that it will be done

In beauty.

In beauty. 

Joy Harjo, Eagle Poem from Poems of Gratitude collection

Opening poem chosen and read by Nancy L.

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It’s not always possible to see with the eyes of a child. Sadness, illness and loss can blind us at times. But if we pause to see, observe and embrace all the beauty that surrounds us, maybe, for just a moment we can experience the joy and innocence of a child once again.

Photos and reflection by Denise P.

 

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With my dear Mom passing away just several weeks ago, the bare trees and abundant moss called to me in great sadness. The trees appeared to be shedding many tears of moss. But it was a peaceful and sweet sadness with the knowledge that Mom was no longer suffering. She had 95 amazing years filled with love!

And even in the winter garden, there were flowers and new life emerging. The camellia had moss tears, blooming flowers and buds about to burst — all in one bush. Life cycles continue and hope abounds… 

Photos and reflections by Nancy L.