When the hair on my neck
stands straight
I open my arms
shine the love
and breathe
Mmm… the sweetness
of Spirit flowing through
Then I look into the heart
of that little one inside
How could you feel
anything but love
for this child?
Flickering squirrel tail shadows
danced across the window early morn
Shaking the edges of my attention
waking my awareness to outside
Squirrel running back and forth
scurrying and hiding
on the fence rail
from two big blue jays
Pecking at him
his tail a-flickering
all the way
“Oh, squirrel! Hey , squirrel!”
“You with the tail that
could paint masterpieces
What did you do to upset
those birds?”
Or were those sharp beaks
just being bullies
on a shiny new morn?
Like weeds, the new intentions
sprouted and bolted up
thirsting for the light
And in the drought
of daily humdrum browned
laid over fallow
Chewed and turned
visited by critters
of the Earth
new fodder
for a new crop of intentions
Cultivated, watered, cared for
richer, slower growing
perennials
Sunlight sparkles
off the tiny ripples
As I wade slowly
in the still and peaceful
pond of forgiveness
No jewel exists
more precious
or more beauteous
No gracious gift
more treasured
Hearts flutter like butterflies
How about those toes?
Once around the block
Or once around a lifetime
They’ve helped me keep my balance
In even the most unsettling times
• • •
A portrait of my toes
I once portrayed in blues
Like Picasso or a kindergartner
In oils on canvas
• • •
On tippy, running, relaxing
Or dancing, twirling, stomping
The toes have it
They win my vote
And gratitude
