When I am Among Trees

“Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say, 

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy,

to be filled with light, and to shine.”

–Mary Oliver

— Opening poem chosen and read by Amy W.

“I saw the trees blown sideways by the force of the wind off the ocean.  We, too, are shaped by our environments.  If battered by sadness, sometimes we don’t look so good either.  If allowed to have calm breezes and nutrition, we grow.”  

— Reflection by Jean W.

“I walked this beach for the first time since Hurricane Ian’s impact. Ocean surges had clawed out the dunes, allowing the inner sandscape to reveal.  Lots of parts of bushes remained standing, or bent.  On the top of one bush, a bold egret perched.  I walked toward it, closer, closer, and it stayed and watched me watch it. I thought of our reading today, about staying awhile, about being filled with light.  And I thought how the whiteness of this bird became a source of light amidst the darkish surroundings.  It made me ask myself, ‘What light will I add to this day?’  It matters that I do.”  

— Photos and reflection by Amy W.

It’s simple, and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine. A reminder by Mary Oliver and a confirmation from the sun and sky and sea and pond… simplicity and complexity aligned in majestic awe! It took my breathe away! Deep, deep gratitude!

— Photos and reflection by Nancy L.