I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for JoRene Byers’ reflection and poem Bravely Done.
I bow to the natural world in gratitude every day, my heart is continually humbled by the constancy of love. In the morning when I write, I sit in this great silence, and then, the creatures and land generously teach me. When I see the lilies of the field and the birds, how they are so filled with goodness, and kindness, my heart rises up then, and I can feel peace, and live in a better way.
Bravely Done
She is dun-colored,
and flies awkwardly, with loops
and reels.
I’ve never seen a House Finch
approach a birdbath in such a way.
I almost hold my breath
as she makes an unsteady landing.
She turns and turns,
circling at the edge of the water.
Tilting her head,
checking, double-checking.
Light diamonds of water bedeck her feathers.
I do not begrudge her this ungainly flight,
this caution upon caution.
I see her circular flight
and witness her lack of sight,
her right eye blinded.
Her presence, perhaps even more remarkable
having survived a predator.
I can see the reason for her approach
even to the water of life.
Bravely done.
The jeweled glistening tears
hinder my vision now.
Can I honor myself
as well as her?
Can I offer tender understanding
to my own circular flight?
JoRene Byers lives in the High Desert, grateful for the visitations of the holy ones: hawks, bluebirds, flickers, coyotes, clouds and dancing stars. This is the ancestral land of the Numu (Paiute), Tana’ma (Warm Springs), and Wasq’u (Wasco) people. Her poetry has been translated into Chinese for Poetry Hall. Instagram.com/terry.jorene
