Noone in front of me
Noone behind me.
Where did everyone go?
No matter,
there’s good company here.
This breeze,
these trees,
those birds I can hear
but not see.
There is more here
that I cannot see.
It holds me upright
when my foot catches on a root
and waves in colorful greeting
from ferns and flowers,
maples and oaks.
I am running slow enough
that a mosquito catches up
and feasts at my left ankle.
I am running fast enough
that my mundane thoughts are left behind.
I am alone with this forest abundance,
drenched in holy space and time.
Palms up,
I offer gratitude
and good tidings.
Bless this earth
that absorbs my footfall.
Bless this earth
that nourishes my spirit
and holds my dreams,
kindles creativity
and possibility.
Bless this earth
that grieves and struggles.
Bless this earth
that bears the weight
of human indifference and greed,
teetering at the edge
of sustainability.
Bless this earth
that feeds my body.
Bless this earth
that soothes my heart
and ignites my imagination,
both of us cycling endlessly through
birth, death and rebirth.
Palms up,
I offer gratitude
and good tidings.
A crowd of people cheers ahead.
My body is relieved,
my heart is full.
Palms up,
I offer gratitude
and good tidings
as I cross the finish line.
Beautiful! Thank you.