In the dark of early morning
when first light flickers
the quiet peace intact
before the city stirs,
I lend my voice
to the undimmed stars
with news of the worried planet
torn by war and secrets,
the earth herself betrayed,
offering a prayer of thanks
within the unconscionable,
grateful, open hearted
asking for day’s light
and a blessing to begin.

In first light
the clouded skies
begin to lift,
sun burning through
to warm and awaken.
Quiet lays upon the land
with the sound of birds
and echoing calls
of nesting geese.
Heavens open
to the waiting earth,
intimate the touch
on a rising whale,
the throb of hummingbird
and this human heart
given as the ancients taught
to the blessing way.

Reading of “Blessing Way” with music by Norm Smookler.