Incense of Devotion
Don Hynes October 22, 2021
West of here a furious storm is hitting the coast
but the Salish is still calm, skies clouded over
with light rain falling. The birds are sheltering
as the tide continues its steady course,
old trees resting before the coming blow
with a deep quiet over the island.
Blessed be the peace of the silent earth,
the nourishment of falling rain,
the air that fills my lungs
and the daylight however dim.
The miracle of green grass
and cycles of the moon,
the creatures swimming
in the vastness of the sea
and the countless leaves
fluttering in forest height.
I write this poem to mother Earth,
so patient with her careless offspring
and to father Sky who bears the seed
and lights our weary way.
Though many have forgotten,
we are star children of your family,
attendants at the sacred altar.
I light the fire this morning,
letting the smoke rise,
the incense of devotion
fragrance to the coming day.
