Creed

I believe in a universe that participates in our lives
In birds that sing on our behalf and waves on lakes
That continually throw diamonds across our paths of thought.
I believe that metal and glass respond sensitively to our touch
And that car engines can be known closely as lovers.

This is not to say the universe is centered on the human.
Birds have their own centers, burning hearts of song
Bunched like grapes within them,
And the moon shines, yes without our gazing.
It is to say that all things are a unity,
A One that may manifest itself diversely
But blossoms from a single seed and may be
Imagined folded back into that seed.
It's to say the human is the bird and the bird is the human
And that when birds sing they sing a human song
And that when humans sing, they sing a song of birds.
It's to say the moon finds purpose when we look to the moon,
And that we find purpose when the moon reaches into us,
Swaying the cells of our blood in minutest tides.

To say the universe participates in our lives
Is to say it's time to begin anew:
Time to act from the spirit again in reverence for the One
The spirit apprehends. Don't the atoms of air
That oxygenate our brains take part in thought?
Aren't we porous, replaced atom for atom with the passage of years?
Then why disbelieve in unity, why involve ourselves
So thoroughly in separation--doubting, disbelieving
Insisting on proofs when they are right there in front of us?

From me O human, flows every aspect of earth's reality
I tell why the blackbird sings and have the shy willow
As my companion. I even contain your suffering cities.
Nothing can take these from me, but will you have them as well?
Will you put Earth's sorrow at your heart?

HB