2. FRIENDS TO SHARE OUR PATHS

The angel asked the little soul, 
“Which would you prefer:
A solid mountain of pure Gold -- 
or a thimble full of compassion?”
The soul begged for a little time 
to think about the question.
The angel agreed, giving the little soul 
one lifetime to compose the answer.
They bid each other adeiu, 
the angel to float above,
The little soul to walk upon 
the earth in coat of clay…

So vast the earth upon first glance, 
yet little feet of little souls plod along
Carve deep paths through mind, through heart,
To stop and rest with sands of time 
sifting through the toes
With flutter of invisible angel’s wings
To cool a knitted and a furrowed brow, 
that we might yet aspire

I myself have noticed my feet upon well trod paths
Sometimes too I have gone 
where there seemed to be no paths at all
I stopped to dance once 
in a field of stones and morning dew
To breathe sweet air of morn and flowers in dazzling sun…
Clouds like gold streaked feathers across the sky did run…

I met some friends upon this earth
At times we walked together, 
silent, thoughtful,
Other times we sang some song, 
together, hummed some tune
Held each other’s hand, 
massaged a foot, a back, a troubled breast
Kissed away a tear, 
hurried each other along from fear,
Thought about our hearts as we undressed

Stuff and clay, sprinkled upon a living light
Stuff and clay upon the winds to dance