And so I’ll turn my vessel
A reckless coming about
On this endless solstice night.

With Green Tara at my side
To face the deep howling fears.

The uncharted territory
More painful than childbirth,
This work of the householder.

I’ll look into the mouths of my family
And see the universe
as the boom swings wide
across the loss we bear.

I’ll watch compassion fill our sails,
The stars
and sounds of love
our only guide.

The plum tree is cut back
So that it can bloom again.
Budding triumphantly
In the still dark of winter.

Will we be awake
When miracles are announced?

Through the icy waters.
Through the mists of the mitote.
Past the many internal formations
Our minds have placed in our hearts.

I have hope in my sheath
And Guanyin to collect our tears.

When we let go
When we sit still within the storms
When we release the light of God’s love.

Love elephant and want to go steady?

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Author: Merenda Woodward

Editor: Travis May

Photo: Wikimedia Commons