Meditations
Stephen M. ShickCommunion with Earth and Sky
Early spring awakensmemories of a deeper cold
and hopes of a warmer wetness,
sprouting seeds and budding branches.
Gray trees on gray sky screen eyes
from all that lies
waiting:
the color of a million
flowers,
the feathers of migrating
songbirds,
the blossoming smiles of
friends.
Soon we will no longer look to the night stars to guide us.
Soon the path
will be lit and our task certain.
In the warming days we will plant our
future,
uprooting useless skeletons of
last year’s harvest,
breaking the clods
of indifference,
carefully pulling the
weeds of
neglect
so
that roots can stretch.
Before the harvest moon rises and we wait
again,
images of still distant summer
days
awaken thoughts of a time
when
all is done that can be done.
Then the harvest.
Then the transformation.
Then the baking.
Then the
bread.
All we know and love is in this cycle.
All that has been or will be is in
this loaf.
Take it.
Break it.
Give
thanks
and pass it on.
Source: Consider the Lilies: Meditations. Skinner House Books, 2004.
Copyright: The author has given Unitarian Universalist Association member congregations permission to reprint this piece for use in public worship. Any reprints must acknowledge the name of the author.
Last updated on Tuesday, August 28, 2007.
