The willows beside the river
are practicing how to let go—
they lose the bright red hue
of their skin and their leaves
turn brittle and brown.
It would be easy to think
they were dead if all I did
was pass them by. But
bend one willow, and it’s clear
how alive they still are,
flexible and sincere.
How little rest I allow myself.
I insist on my own evergreen.
How much could I learn
from November’s willows
that take a break from living?
I listen, as if the willows
might offer a teaching.
I listen until it dawns in me,
that the quiet
is the teaching.
magnificent, and such a worthy message!! Thank you again, Rosemerry!
thank you, Carol–I have a lot to learn about quiet. Baby steps …
Cary Newcomer has a great song about trees “leaves don’t drop they just let go.” Your words echo that sentiment.
love that line! Thanks for telling me!
Do you know her songs? She works with the Quaker Parker Palmer on great projects.