I have been recently re-reading this cherished book, given to me years ago by a friend who shared my interest in this kind of literature.
I guess it is an occupational hazard: I enjoy reading inspirational literature. As a cleric I have even written some when just the right one could not be found for a special occasion.
This passed weekend I travelled to Mississauga, 300 miles south, on the bus and two day later, return back on the train. An inspirational book is a good travel companion as you are alone with your thoughts, read short passages and occasionally look out at the passing natural scene. This book with readings on Nature and our relationship is always a pleasure to read and reflect on.
One early reading that caught my fancy is one that makes reference to "river" and "peebles" which struck my fancy as these related to my blog's title as a metaphor.
Clouds are flowing in the river, waves are flying in the sky.
Life is laughing in a pebble. Does a pebblle every die?
Flowers grow out of the garbage, such a miracle to see.
What seems dead and what seems dying makes for butterflies to be.
Life is laughing in a pebble, flowers bathe in morning dew.
Dust is dancing in my footsteps and I wonder who is who.
Clouds are flowing in the river, clouds are drifting in my tea,
On a never-ending jouney, what a miracle!
Eveline Beumkes
In the early morning hour the bus passed through Barrie, Ontario. There was new snow on the ground and clinging to the trees. With just enough light to read by I opened the book, by chance, at this poem.
Praise wet snow
falling early.
Praise the shadow
my neighbor's chimney casts on the tile roof
even this gray October day that should, they say,
have been golden.
Praise
the invisible sun burning beyond
the white cold sky, giving us
light and the chimney's shadow.
Praise
god or the godds, the unknown,
that which imaginedus, which stays
our hand,
our murderous hand,
and gives us
still,
in the shadow of death,
our daily life,
the dream still
of goodwill, of peace on earth.
Praise
flow and change, night and
the pulse of day.
Denise Levertov
It is always a delight when a poem or inspirational prose passage strikes a response within you. This is why I enjoy reading inspirational writings from all cultures and religions.