Mud Slough, Great Valley Grasslands State Park, CA

Gifts

The restless air ripples through the tall grass,

As the stately egret stalks on tiptoe at water’s edge,

Darting sharply at the shadows of minnows as they pass

Between rock and reed, long journey for such tiny fledge;

Light dances from each wavelet, bisecting the watery mass.

To sustain this bliss, we will make our enduring pledge.

Morning light brings forth the gift of clarity;

Evening light brings glorious colors as a blessing.

Balance brings a pervading sense of charity

Toward a world we can sustain without distressing.

Let us receive from morning light the offered rarity

And celebrate with evening light a joy beyond suppressing.

May we and our descendants

Walk in beauty all of our lives.