After a lifetime full
of bearing fruit
limbs heavy with their bounty
The gnarled old tree stood majestically
all a-bloom
festooned for spring
As if only a youngster
pumped and prepared
for a dance
or other jubilant merriment
Full of joyousness and anticipation
of the fruit of another season
For this moment
as I remember to breathe in
and listen to the small, still voice
I am grateful in every cell
for the wonderful gift of life
and the blessings showered upon me
right now
For this moment
I remember the power of humility
to heal me, keep me right-sized
and open the door to joy
All times past have gathered now
With naught but troubled mind
To whisper judgements on the now
while paths of heart we find
Seeking peace and joy and love
each day in stillness flight
And knowing brightness of the day
throughout the darkness of night
Strolling along past scenes
and dreams of consciousness
He arrived at a crossroads
in his mind
“I choose Joy!” he declared
as he took
the right path for himself
