Wisdom Whispers

Wisdom Whispers is a short poem I wrote shortly after my Mom died. I was sitting on a bench in her garden, thinking about the day and weeks ahead with some dread. Overwhelmed by all the things I needed to do. If I'm honest, I didn't have the confidence or believe I was capable of achieving it all. I was worried and anxious about what seemed like a mountain to climb. I sat on the bench for a long time, mind and thoughts spinning. I was afraid.

Suddenly a calmness came over me. It was like peace blew in with the breeze. Something brought me to the present moment. I heard the sounds of the birds, and smelled the fragrance of the flowers - the very flowers my Mom planted and cherished. I noticed the dappled sunlight illuminating the beauty of her garden. I felt the love that she had for it, and for me - which wasn't always apparent to me when she was alive. I began to wonder if somehow she brought me to this bench. I felt stronger, and grateful.

In that very moment, I felt I was not alone with the mountain. That she was loving and supporting me somehow. That the mountain wasn't only mine, and that there was an abundance of love and invisibile support behind me. Intangible perhaps, yet present and available to help me climb. I look back on this experience now and I know it gave me strength to move forward and grow. Step by step.

Were there, or are there mountains before you now? I remember the first line of a poem entitled "Lost" by David Wagoner: "Stand still". I think it is good advice. If you feel lost, anxious, alone, overwhelmed...stand still. Listen.

Many of us are climbing out of the grief which resulted from the Pandemic, the way life has changed. The unwanted changes that it dealt. The darkness around us, and/or the devastaing losses of family and friends. It is helpful to stand still and listen. To turn our gaze and connect with the beauty of nature, the love that is present in our lives, and to be of service in some way.

It was my experience all of those years ago in my Mom's garden, in that quiet moment of presence, that wisdom whispered. I am so grateful I stood still enough to hear it.

Wisdom Whispers

Wisdom whispers in my ear

here in this moment, stay here.

Expansive sky,

drifting clouds.

You are near.

The sounds, the scent, the softness.

The surety of this moment.

Life singing, humming.

Nature's music gently rocks and cradles.

Soft drumming of my heart

grows stronger with every grateful beat.