Quiescence

If we know a river must run her course

Along paths she is impelled by gravity

And sprinkle upon them her life force

Before she finds her stillness at sea

If we know a child must go out to play

Run wild in the sun and skin his knees

Before he can lie down at the end of day

On his mother's bosom in a restful sleep

Why then do we think we can still our mind

By holding it back, hushing its inner voice

That speaks of desires held deep inside

Which lead us on paths of pain and joy?

Should we not instead let ourselves go

Floating like a leaf in destiny's breeze?

Rise and fall with the tides of the flow

While trusting the river to find the sea?

Bless me, Mother, with strength and faith

So I may give myself up to the breeze

And leave no urge unmet, no debt unpaid

As I walk on the paths of my destiny

When the time is right, may I land gently

At your feet, a tired yet content child

And rest forever in silent peace

As the calm deep sea on a windless night

Stargazer

 

(The "stargazer" lily is named so because the flowers do not face down like those of other varieties of the lily, but instead, look up to the "stars".)

She bides her time with fortitude

Through the winter months of snow

Come spring and the warm rays of sun

She puts out green shoots to grow

She stands tall on her tender stalk

And even though her feet are tied

She looks up with hope to the stars

With the joy of the heavens in her eyes

Her delicate petals of crimson pink

Embrace the world with such gaiety

That brooks no fear of being hurt

By the sharp edge of nature's cruelty

Her subtle fragrance and heady charm

Linger around, do not waft too far

But those that come sit by her side

Are forever held in her thrall

Someday, she gently quivers and falls

For she knows when her time is spent

And as lightly as she walked in life

So she glides to its peaceful end

As I see this beautiful life

Of silent strength and elegant grace

I cannot believe She that made her

Also sculpted our human race