Losing Myself Inside a Japanese Wood Poppy

Stepping inside a Japanese wood poppy
I took leave of myself
As some mad man might veer off the highway to work
Only to find himself fishing
Along the banks of an idyllic stream

Not often enough we surrender ourselves
To that something larger
Contained in even the smallest thing
Like a tiny blade of grass
Or the petal of a spring daffodil

Why quibble over a name, or anything
Standing between you and beauty
‘Tis better to be naked of all words
Even poetry
Than miss a flower’s healing kiss

Being Present on an Early Spring Morning

when you hear birds sing
in springtime morning sunshine
your soul rejoices
and dances in holy celebration

give in, celebrate, be filled
with laughter, happiness, peace
close your eyes, sit without expectation
receive what is freely given

now, pass it on
give to someone you meet
this unexpected gift of peace
in so doing, you are filled once again