Here’s the poem I read for this morning’s prayer, after hearing of the death of a dear friend.
A little too abstract, a little too wise,
It is time for us to kiss the earth again,
It is time to let the leaves rain from the skies,
Let the rich life run to the roots again.
I will go to the lovely Sur Rivers
And dip my arms in them up to the shoulders.
I will find my accounting where the alder leaf quivers
In the ocean wind over the river boulders.
I will touch things and things and no more thoughts,
That breed like mouthless May-flies darkening the sky,
The insect clouds that blind our passionate hawks
So that they cannot strike, hardly can fly.
Things are the hawk's food and noble is the mountain, Oh noble
Pico Blanco, steep sea-wave of marble.
~ Robinson Jeffers
Spending time outside every day helps to anchor me in the midst of the gusting worldy winds.
This year we will leave the temple in preparation for a new phase of involvement with our Bright Earth Buddhist Order. We are selling and buying a house. We are navigating the practical and emotional complications of handing things over. We are wondering who we will even be when we land on the other side.
Death keeps happening. Change, chaos, unpredictability, keeps happening.
I know that I will sit out in the weather for a while every day. I know that I will thank the Earth by reading a poem. I can lean on this, and it brings me great strength.
It also reminds me to enjoy the marvels all around me - what abundance! What excess!
During June I will be inviting paid subscribers of my Going Gently newsletter to join me for Kissing the Earth - an invitation to spend time outside every day, a daily poem and reflection, a reminder to say thank you.
Whether or not you subscribe to receive the daily poems, I’d love for you to join me too. If anyone wants a free month’s subscription just let me know.
My friend who died had a motto - no blame, be kind, love everything. “Let the rich life run to the roots again.” In the very centre of his death, I see that green shoots are sprouting. His words will always be with me, and they will be fresh every time I read them or say them. They are a prayer.
Thank you for accompanying me on this year of prayers. I am nearly three quarters of the way through.
Namo Quan Shi Yin Bosat - may the Bodhisattva of Compassion accompany my friend and his family, and you.
Satya x
The essence of your friend is so dear. - no blame, be kind, love everything. “Let the rich life run to the roots again.” In the very centre of his death, I see that green shoots are sprouting. Your writing touches and quiets me.
May he find his True Home. Condolences for the loss of your friend.