Walk upwind in a fierce rain
and understand hope.
Watch the river receive itself and give
and know something about love.
Ponder a stone and its memories
and know your belonging.
Witness the green shoot part the earth
and see yourself.
Sit under one tree in many seasons
and learn death’s other name.
Listen to the desert’s silences
and let your heart fall open.
Behold a lilac surrender its scent
and become wise.
Listen to the bird’s song
and hear, hear your own.
No part of this realm disputes its belonging.
Learn, and rejoice.
Let the ocean wear you down
until you are sand and wind.
Lie on the earth for she will receive you,
and remember, always.
You came from her, and she loves you wildly.
Learn what she can teach you.
—May 19, 2017