At Blackwater Pond

"At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled

after a night of rain.

I dip my cupped hands. I drink

a long time. It tastes

like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold

into my body, waking the bones. I hear them

deep inside me, whispering

oh what is that beautiful thing

that just happened?"

I am grateful yet again today, everyday, to walk in the dewy grass in early morning, to hang sheets on a sunny day, to rest in the arms of this planet, and to pray for all creatures great and small. I have never put anything in my mouth that tasted like stone, leaves and fire, but it is something to look forward to.