Thanksgiving Prayer.

Thanksgiving

We return thanks to our mother, the earth,
which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams,
which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs,
which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and stars,
which have given to us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to the sun,
that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,
in Whom is embodied all goodness,
and Who directs all things for the good of Her children.

Iroquois

Poetic Fusion

While on retreat this weekend we were asked to explore our deepest emotions. Asked to make journals cutting images and words from magazines, instead of cutting images,  i cut words out of various secular magazines and fused together a poem to show that Gods message of Love is everywhere if we but look, if we will but listen. The following is that poetic fusion of words and phrases cut from the magazines.

Eons ago, before i was born into flesh.
Before there was life.
"When i first saw the beauty of orchids, i fell in love."
always loved.
Mystery.
What was it like to be music.
To catch a light beam.
A most unusual gift of love.
An enchanting new song.
Create a vibe.
God's reign cracks into our world.
Let there be lights!
The path of light.
Its time to move forward.
Connect.
Impact.
Shine.
Sojourners.
Inherit the earth.
Praying and loving.
One in the body.
Together in imperfection.
Loving the world.
Live your best life.
Love God. Serve people.
God's call is bold.
Don't you see my vision?
"Get out of your head," 
The teachers say. This is becoming the
most important instruction of all.
Justice.
Compassion.
Action.
Walk with God.
Peering into the Divine.
You're not alone.
Make room in your heart for. MYSTERY.
The Truth can set you free.
Learn how to avoid squabbling.
Laugh at yourself.
And others will laugh with you.
 Don't show off.
Let me in.
Awakening.
Love in a time of ambivalence.
The future is Bright.


Harvey Cottrell
21 November 10
PAX

A Light I Am

Poetry by RUMI -- Only Breath

We Are The Old Ones

What if i were a leaf?

What if i were a leaf? The fullness of my being lifted by the breath of earth. Spiraling, dancing with her breath. Completely guided by her breath.

What if i were a leaf? part of a great tree, a tree that is part of a great forest, a forest that is part of a world, a world that is part of a universe. If i were just a leaf i would be infinite.

What if i were a leaf? Green, red, orange, yellow, brown...people would look at my color as beauty.

What if i were a leaf? falling into a pile, sycamore, maple, white birch, would it matter that we are from different trees, do we see different leaves, or just a pile?

What if i were a leaf? So trusting, able to let go into the breath of the earth, knowing that i would be set free in my trust, knowing that although it is the winter of my life, springtime is just a time away...

What if i were a leaf?

Harvey D. Cottrell II
PAX

Drifting away into Now.

Falling, deeply falling.
Into a place where i can not hold on.
Into a place where i have no control.
Falling, falling like the leaves,
Dying.
Dying to false realities,
to false identities,
to illusions.
Dancing, Swirling, Spiraling,
like the Autumn leaves lifted into the air by
the brisk breeze.
Rising...
Rising like the Sun at dawn, brightness out of silence..
I am new, in this moment.
Re-born, into this NOW.
I Am.

Harvey D. Cottrell II
Pax