What do I pray for?
I can’t pray for peace,
not while the wind blows
through the branches.
But right now, the bird,
whom I’m sketching with words,
sits on the tremulous limb
chest puffed out to the sun.
I see the ways its wings and feet
work,
to keep it attached
to a dancing piece of bark.
What is peace,
but movement in tune with the elements
when it’s needed,
and then rest
to prepare for the next dance.
Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry
August 2019
‘Yet the fact remains that we are invited to forget ourselves on purpose, cast our awful solemnity to the winds and join in the general dance.’
~ Thomas Merton
Living Tree Poetry 
This is so beautiful.
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Thank you my lovely poetess friend.
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May we all both rest and dance!
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Yes, the dance of life.
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This hit the mark Ana Lisa. “peace …movements in tune with elements,” yes. And a favourite Merton quote. All so fine! Thank you.
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Thank you so much my fine friend!
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