Spiritual Direction

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Sabbath Rain

 Not everyone reading this will feel the same way about the autumn's rain, I realize. But where I live, it was a hot dry summer and the recent rain was a gift.



Interrupting the interminable drought,
drops are finally falling
on parched pastures 
and withered gardens.
We have been waiting,
the drooping woodlands
and tattered roadside sumacs,
the bedraggled spicebushes
and I.

The days of lugging heavy hoses,
and pouring dirtied goat and chicken water
on newly planted sassafras trees
compulsively checking the weather report,
and inwardly groaning,
are over.

The rain asks nothing
but that we receive its blessing,
refreshing 
and rejuvenating
our weary souls.
The rain has come 
and all is green with gladness,
once again.


Sunday, September 17, 2023

Hospitality of the Hedgerow


Wild and unruly it is,
an untamed profusion
of blackhaw and arrowwood,
winterberry and shrubby dogwoods
weaving a tangle
of hiding places,
an autumnal banquet
for the wild ones.

Wild perennials wander here,
wingstem growing where it will,
and stands of goldenrod
jockeying with the asters,
nectar and pollen in yellows, pinks and purples,
swaying with the movement 
of bees and beetles feeding.

As mistflowers beckon
to the swallowtails and Monarchs,

goldfinches echo unceasingly 
from the sunflowers planted by chipmunks
and the pokeweed's purple berries
invite the catbirds to dine,
and the thrashers,
and thrushes.

Autumn's palette splashes
across the hedgerow 
in glad abandon,
welcoming everyone,
welcoming
all.