Chilled

As I stood still
in March’s early morning chill,
I realized I didn’t hear the birds.
Only the banging
of freight cars and
the metal on metal grind of wheels clacking
along miles of train track
broke the silence.
Back in the house,
I wrapped myself in a hot cup of tea
and said to no one,
“They are simply sleeping...
they are simply sleeping.”

A Quick Note...

There are "Links of Interest" on this page - all of which mean something to me. But, as I took some time this morning to begin my day with inspiration deeper than what is on my daily work agenda, I caught up with one of those links and now feel compelled to mention it in the hopes that those who have not gone there will.

Diary of a Heart in Transit is the creation of a beautiful soul who reaches out and gives compassion and space to all who would make this a better world. Her thoughts, poetry, interviews... all have been a source of comfort and hope for me. If you will, please take the time to visit... and thank you MarieHarmony. I guess I needed your words this morning. :)

Choosing to spread light...

Random Wisdom - Rumi

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.”
                      ~ Rumi

I stumbled upon this one today and remembered the first time I heard it... goodness... 1997, Kingview, Ontario. Has it really been 15 years? I have to smile when I think of that circle of souls. I miss that space and yet... here, in the chambers of my heart, I still sit in it. :)

Random Wisdom - The Tao Te Ching

2
Under heaven all can see beauty as
beauty only because there is ugliness.
All can know good as good only
because there is evil.

Therefore having and not having arise together.
Difficult and easy complement each other.
Long and short contrast each other:
High and low rest upon each other;
Voice and sound harmonize each other;
Front and back follow one another.

Therefore the sage goes about doing nothing, 
teaching no-talking.
The ten thousand things rise and fall without cease,
Creating, yet not possessing.
Working, yet not taking credit.
Work is done, then forgotten.
Therefore it lasts forever.

The Tao Te Ching, Translation by Gia Fu Feng and Jane English, 
Comments and layout by Thomas Knierim.
Found at: www.thebigview.com

Rise and Shine

Amid the pleading of the morning birdsong,
the waning moon offers the sliver a smile
and gently lifts
the night’s coverlet from the sun.
Lavender yields to crimson,
to amber, as the sun rises
warming the day
and roughly pulling
winter’s heavy blanket from my soul.

Spring Begins

Woken by four paws and tongue,
I rise into the murky morning.
The still house
opens to gray mist as
I cling
to the end of a taught blue leash.
A mild mid-March
celebrated in bright greens and daffodil yellow
sings a robin’s song
as hope and gratitude
fall wet upon my face.

I remember wondering how Matsuo Bashō and Kobayashi Issa could write so much and so often about cherry blossoms… then, on mornings like this one, I understand. Or, at least I can delude myself into thinking I understand those old masters. ;)

I have been absent from this blog for far too long. A recurring theme, I’m afraid, when it comes to The Rogue Nun – no matter what her medium. At least it is weeks, a month perhaps, rather than years this time. I must be reaching a higher level of focus and maturity. *laughing* I thank you all for your patience and ongoing support.

Allow me to stretch the feast of St. Patrick a bit longer with an old Irish blessing…

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!