Union Divine

At the end of fall, I sit burned and jagged, hot and dry

Remnants of my life scattered upon me

Monuments of destruction

And you find me like this when you arrive as clouds that cover

Shielding my skin from the sun’s burning rays

Until you are mist, preparing me

To accept you as rain

Mixing with my ashes, creating fertile compost

Forming puddles under rocks and cleansing my pain

Softening the shells of my long-dormant seeds

You return as snow

Blanketing me with your cool, soothing balm

Held and holding, gently protecting my wounds

Layer by layer, inch by inch

And in perfect timing, you melt away

Caressing me, pouring into my veins

Saturating my sediment and filling my aquifers

The seeds that sprout in our entwined elements

Grow upon me, out of my ashes, in the warmth of your love

Forgiveness

Water cascading in ribbons down mountains

Traveling through gorges, forests, and meadows

Gliding over rocks and boulders immense

Softening rough edges, each one to her will

Shifting into nourishment, soil, and roots

Exhaling as oxygen through pine needle tips

Letting go into sky into freedom into space

Transforming my heart into Divine living faith

Birthday Streamers

Arising on a sculptured cliff

Expecting the cool embrace of my familiar

As she had welcomed me the day before with

A misting flutter through cypress branches.

Yet, pulling back the curtains,

A clear day dawns with

Pink, yellow, and orange along the horizon

Like Birthday Streamers

Reflecting in waves splashing peninsula rocks.

Surrounded by whistles and chirps,

Frogs sing in their creek while

Monarchs and bees call among

Pride of Madeira and Indian Paintbrush:

All the world will celebrate

And say you are loved

If you listen.

For Patrick

When I return to my etheric form,

I will dance in the procession of colors.

Glowing ribbons reflected in oceans and rivers:

An expression of joy that follows the sun.

When our paints grow dim and our party lights fade,

Darling, please don’t think that I’m gone.

Just look for me in the moonlight

Or amongst leaves on the trees

And, of course, in your tender heartsong.