Earth's Own Congregation

Earth's Own Congregation
by Danna Faulds

I am received by earth's own
congregation into a green
sanctuary with no need of
walls or vaulted ceiling.

Embodied spirit celebrates
rebirth, each creature offering
its uniqueness to the whole.

How can I possibly feel separate
when nature dances with me
on the grass--the nodding tulips
and small azure moths, the wood
thrush, clouds, and groundhog.

The snorting doe who stomps
her hoof upon the ground, and the
swaying pine boughs, they all
know Easter's secret--

the wondrous, freeing peace of
the risen sun, the blooming bud,
the heart laid bare with love and
wonder, the many joined as one.
----------------------------------------------------

Today at Crista, two crows preened and cawed their way across the green grass, noisy and alive. The two were steps from the front entrance to Mom and Dad's new home. I never saw crows at Merrill Gardens. This sighting is new; perhaps Mom will forge a relationship with these black feathered friends and breathe in moments of unencumbered joy.