For Earth Day (2016)

Thinking about the places
where the trail meanders through the trees,
spider webs touch my face,
the winter wren moves through the understory
with a song big enough for the mountains,
this is where I find life's rhythm.

The places where sunlight erupts into wildflowers
set to a backdrop of high ridges and peaks,
where this present moment and tomorrow's hopes
interweave like the mountain breeze and my breath,
this is where I find life's balance.

The places where God the Father
comes together with Earth the Mother
in the oldest of trees, the infinite shades of green,
the smallest, most intricate flower,
this is where I find the greatest peace.

These are the places where I become aware
that I cannot be here without making an impact,
which encourages me to be careful, intentional, and grateful,
because this is where I find harmony.

These are the places
where I cannot separate what I believe
from how I live.