For all the lakes and forests

In gratitude 

 For all the quiet lakes 

And forests in our country; 

That they may be protected 

 And survive the depredations 

 Of our thoughtlessness and greed 

And continue to inspire us 

To strive for calm, compassion, 

And peace.

Morning

Morning, 

And a new day dawns.

Colors grow, glow, and fade

Like love, to be born again

With a kind word, a gentle touch,

A thoughtful action,

Bearing light and color

Back to the wounded heart.

The pause that refreshes

Sometimes it’s good to pause, 

Take a deep breath,

 And become attuned to your surroundings; 

Get to feeling grounded and centered again.

Collaboration

Though the rocks seem inhospitable, 

Cold and hard, 

Somehow the plants 

 Seem to grow and thrive around them, 

And together, the firm and the delicate 

Tell a tale of cooperation; 

A marriage of strength and beauty 

That warms the heart and pleases the eye.

Life’s a labyrinth

Life’s a bit of a labyrinth: 

You can see where you’re trying to get to, 

But the path you’re traveling 

 Is not exactly direct. 

Have faith, keep breathing, and trust 

That where you are now 

Is where you’re meant to be.

Sharing the spotlight

Just as different flowers on a single stalk 

May bloom at different times, 

So, too, must humans wait 

Until it is their time to bloom, 

And come to understand the charm 

In serving as a backdrop 

For the others on your stalk, 

While knowing with assurance 

Your opportunity will come.

For all who suffer

For those days when you feel 

Like nothing’s going nowhere 

And no one would miss you 

If you just stepped out into the void 

And disappeared completely, 

Please take a minute and breathe in 

A breath for all who also feel 

Discouraged and depressed, 

Then reach down deep into your heart 

And find whatever spark of joy remains 

And breathe it out: a gift for all who suffer.