Grounded
in the shelter of the
flowering cherry
blossoms falling on my head
I Am
grounded
shocked by currents
flowing through me
forcing me to fall upon the
ground
to groan upon the earth
my fingers searching
for the
ground
where I can stand
dust at my feet
stardust filling every cell
from the earth arising
an exclamation of a gratitude
in God
I Am
so deeply
grounded.
The pestilence is spread on the slightest gossamer of breath and in response we must be grounded, sheltered, isolated, quarantined, so we can find again the oneness of our bodies in a common humanity. The word “grounded” opened up for me avenues of reflection on what we need to stay grounded in as we respond to this threat to our lives. I invite you to do the same. Your reflections are welcome here at “comments.” Don’t let the “Captcha” gate deter you. Stay grounded.
Red Clay, Blood River
I hear echoes from my UC Divinity Days of Paul Tillich’s phrase, “Ground of Being,” and my favorite sermon and book of his, “The Courage to Be.” However, your poetry speaks to my soul beautifully, and communicates to me fully and truly the power and significance of grounding. Thank you.
Linda Henley has sent in the following comment: As a hospital chaplain I used the terms quarantine and isolation quite casually. The words now represent great loneliness and I would love to apologize to those persons in my care at that time. I have a far deeper understanding now in ways I would never have predicted.
It’s a challenge to make each day count for something good instead of just marking time. The word “grounded” is a strong word that makes me feel hopeful. It reminds me of my deep centeredness in God and that, “as a tree planted by the water, we shall not be moved”.
I especially love your word “shelter”. It’s comforting. It feels protective of us during these days. Not that we will escape harm, but all shall be well no matter what that is.
I can see Eagle’s nest from my condo and last year I watched as the eaglets learned to fly. Looking up at the nest every day gives me courage that we, as a part of Gods glorious creation, will be okay.
Thank you for your gift of word to help us through.
That was lovely, Bill. Good to know spring is springing somewhere in the world.
Beautiful work, William! I feel what you are feeling, alone in the wilderness in my little farmhouse in the holler, I am grateful for everything of spring–the blossoms, the flurry of birds, an overjoy of nature.