it seems you arrived only a handful of days ago, a green folded prayer wooed from the bud.
how you grew to pierce our hearts unbridled in ways never imagined.
loss was a frequent visitor whose name remains dry on our lips,
change.... acceptance.... the sheering up of hearts.
one moment we woke struggling to rise to the demands of a single hour,
rolling the weight of life back up into the sky
dragging our weary hearts for the hope of light and ease,
the work of life; relentless.
other days startled simply by the miracle of breathing,
we strove to place grateful back in your long weary name.
still it is not hard to bid you farewell.
we rise on the soft shore of a new horizon.
outside the birds lift the lightening hem of dawn in their
holy symmetry of song.
the ancient curtain of darkness rolls back once more.
into the sacred moment between light and dark, between
ending and beginning
when all things great and small
pause
to lace the first hope of light into the dark branches of life.
letting joy loose in an overture of
communion.
dear harbingers of this bright new year
shall we too sing the same song
washing everything with the cloth of light.
allowing all separateness to dissolve
welcoming this birth, ushering in authenticity, invoking true awakening.
shall we too rise at dawn
to toss back the old sheets of humanity,
the one million distractions of complicated lives.
shall we begin simple, hands cupped carrying water
nurturing the heart of each new collective moment.
shall we slow each hurried footstep? live remembering to protect the sacred air?
rejoice in birth, shoulder loss, cry, hope, laugh, forget, remember
to take this torch of a new year and ignite all hearts
in the house of belonging.
eyes open, hearts wide, bravely
throwing back all the doors of indifference,
shall we cry out for its perfect beauty?
embrace our common sky, weathering all that this new year will require of us,
together.
welcoming your postcards from the edge of
a bright new year.
Dearest rebecca,
Again and again, the theme of hands cupped carrying water returns--offering lifegiving liquid and the resource of soul healing to the heart weary and soul lost. Yes, we must "toss back the sheets of humanity" and "throw back the doors of indifference" grasping hands and embracing hearts. The world has become smaller: each man is our brother and each woman our sister in this struggling world. We can no longer defend our borders against one another be they physical or emotional. We must not strive for personal position but for common human dignity. We are all in need in one way or another. So yes, my dear, this year, let us find our common sky and you are the best teacher. I am so deeply inspired by your compassion. Thank you for who you are always. I am proud to be your friend. Happy New Year.
Much Love,
Noelle
Posted by: Noelle Clearwater | January 01, 2012 at 12:30 AM
Dear Rebecca,
Last night as I lay on my bed at midnight with my furry boys waiting for the clock to tick its way to 2012, suddenly the sky exploded with the light of celebrations, I leaped to the widow with excitement and my emotions became full with the meaning and wonder of life, that is how I feel too each time I read your beautiful words.
Thank you for being here for us all,
Sue x
Posted by: Sue Fox | January 01, 2012 at 03:53 AM
I just don't know what to say - your words always touch something deep within - making me want to weep xoxo
Posted by: Miss Robyn | January 01, 2012 at 04:17 AM
Rebecca ~ Happy New Year ~ I am so glad I found your blog ~ you are an inspiration ~ each day ~ a gift ~ namaste, Carol (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: Carol (artmusedog) | January 01, 2012 at 05:34 AM
Happy New Year Rebecca.. Let this year brings you the magic you wish..
Someone is Special
Posted by: Someone is Special | January 01, 2012 at 06:21 AM
you have a gift for capturing life with your words... thank you for all that you are, and for sharing that with us. bright blessings to you as you walk bravely and joyfully into the hope of this new year.
Posted by: leslie | January 01, 2012 at 06:50 AM
Yes! We should "cry out for its perfect beauty," as you say...this new and bright beginning that brings with it boundless possibilities. The 'work of living' does take its toll, yet what could be better than to experience the ups and downs that make it ours. You gave us such a beautiful blessing for our new beginnings, Rebecca. Love and health to you and those you hold dear in 2012. It has a nice ring to it, no?
Posted by: Dawn Elliott | January 01, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Dear Rebecca
I look forward to a year of walking hand in hand with you...here, with your perfect words to point the way. WISH I was joining you in a couple of weeks but I know I will be filled with inspiration as you share the wonder!
Happy 2012!!
x....x
Posted by: stephanie | January 01, 2012 at 10:24 AM
~~washing everything
with the cloth of light~~
yes
yes
yes
♥
PS--
happy newest year to you!
Posted by: somepinkflowers | January 01, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Thank you for helping to light our way into this new year. Your words and photographs bring a lovely quality of light to each moment I am here.
Posted by: gemma | January 01, 2012 at 01:05 PM
Putting things together after going to church--and there are your extraordinary photos and words. I'm printing this out for my own journal. Rebecca, I wish you and yours a very happy new year.
Posted by: Fran aka Redondowriter | January 01, 2012 at 01:33 PM
Your words and photographs .....a masterpiece.
It is your gift to capture the sweetness and and tartness of life. To mix up and concoct such a marvously sweet sonnet for past life and the life to come!
May 2012 bring you great joy and peace and perfect health, dear Rebecca for you and those you care most about.
Love,
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | January 01, 2012 at 02:59 PM
you have the gift of words, the gift of colour, the gift of creation and of forging community! Thank you!
Posted by: Lenora | January 01, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Great to be back in blogland after two weeks away for Christmas in the USA, and catch up with you here now, Rebecca :o). Wishing you all the very best in 2012--PEACE, LOVE & JOY! ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | January 02, 2012 at 06:07 AM
My ears are open for the "holy symmetry of song," Rebecca. My ears are open.
Posted by: Magical Mystical Teacher | January 02, 2012 at 01:01 PM