Remnants
- Details
- 01 April 2008
- Ralph Singh
I
Remnants of snow cling to the trees - white swatches clasp smooth brown branches or nestle among the green needles.
Meanwhile the buds are forming further out.
The woods on distant hills take on the felt of new antlers on spring bucks.
Seasons change. Here it’s almost April and the passing of winter is still in progress. Soon the exploding buds will vanquish the remnants of winter.
I know winter will come once more. Will I be better prepared?
II
Open the window! Let the spring air in. Bathe the mind in the freshness of Your Holy Name. It alone can end the torment and bring the peace.
III
The world absorbs one shock after another. Wars rage on, while the ice continues to melt. Both sides take stock. How long before our lifestyle must change? How long before our lives are restored? Now! Now!
How much can we amass to feel safe?
Nothing is safe. We will still die. The ice will still melt. The question remains - how much damage will we do in the process of trying?
or how much good can we do?
The problem is that there is no end to it.
No way to neatly tie up loose ends and leave.
There is no way to sweep the dust under the carpet before our guests arrive. They are already here. Millions more enter our home every day. They are our future. Let us pray that they bring with them the tools to clean up after us and not simply add to the mess we left.
IV
Remnants of snow cling to the trees – white swatches clasp smooth brown branches or nestle among the green needles.
Visions of Your pristine whiteness nestle in my mind.
While the snow will melt away,
I pray that the memories stay real – the touch of Your hand on my head as I bow to kiss Your Lotus Feet.