I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Jaqui Eicher’s reflection and poem.
After reading Christine Valters Paintner’s poem, “St. Gall and the Bear,” I responded in writing to the prompt: “Write about a time you extended kindness to someone or an animal being and they reciprocated in ways you did not expect.” My writing took me back twenty years to a moment that still sparkles in my heart; electric with love. What emerged brought tears to my eyes because I now recognize this animal encounter as a moment in which I met God.
Just divorced, feeling depleted and lonely
on a family trip with people more like strangers,
I set off alone on Sunday while everyone
else attended their favorite mega church.
I met the divine that day while drinking
coffee at a sunny table near a couple
reading a newspaper while their companion,
a canine, sat settled at their feet.
I watched this fine canine: curly gray locks,
alert with buoyant energy, sparkling eyes
that seemed to ask, "will you let me love you?"
His people read comfortably.
Before long, feeling the pull to meet
and be nearer to this pleasant beast,
I rose to ask the newspaper readers whether
I might make his acquaintance.
They both smiled and introduced him
as Joey. I sat in the empty chair in
front of him and immediately, Joey's
head rested on my newly available lap.
Gently scratching behind his floppy-soft
ears, I introduced myself and
and complimented his soft fur.
Our eyes met and what passed between us
was pure, unguarded love.
My heart flooded with a peace that
passeth understanding and in an instant,
all 50 pounds of him sat on my lap.
I beamed as Joey radiated light. His
human companions laughed and said,
"Joey's purpose in life seems
to be bringing people joy."
I left the sanctuary of Joey's pure
love reluctantly that day. I still needed more.
For two decades now I've carried his
unbounded divine love with me and
this has brought me so much joy.
Jaqui Eicher is a visual artist and writer and works as a Chaplain and Youth Coordinator at Albany Mennonite Church in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Jaqui’s paintings and murals depict the beautiful landscapes that have companioned her during her lifetime in the area. Jaqui’s poetry reflects the divine in nature.
