[Thespiritexpress] Poem read at the Solstice Gathering

[Toni Bernbaum]

Thank you Marc for requesting a copy of the poem I wrote for Ron and read at the Solstice Gathering here in Spirit House last Saturday.

And if you are interested in MORE poetry……I am honored and excited to be one of the two featured readers this Saturday, June 29th at 4:00 pm
 at the Mendocino Art Center…..open mic to follow.

Would love to see you there!!
With love……Toni




Perspective

Under an old oak tree
we sit in the movement of branches-
our faces lit in dappled sun.
65 years old today
you toggle between light and dark
determined to face your greatest fear -
be who you always sensed 
yourself to be.

You, who remembers 
the boy still alive inside you, toes filled 
with mud, knee high in the marsh
of the San Joaquin river,
feather in your hand, lavender fog 
in your yellow hair,
dreaming of deep diving treasure hunt adventures - 
baiting your hook in the promise of life
without ever considering the failures
awaiting you.

You understood the language of clouds,
the wisdom of driftwood, how to navigate by the stars, 
and find the the hidden places where moss and mushrooms grew.

Without knowing 
you were already bending 
with the pull of the moon
adjusting to the tides of expectations
turning within you.

Now you arrive here
having lost everything you worked for
to face the meaning of your existence,
using your time now
to know who you are,
to reflect back into the pond of your life, 
to learn about forgiveness, 
and how useless it is 
to resist anything, defend or hide.

Today, you remember your ancestors….
You are the great grandfather now!
You shake your head with wonder
at all you survived.

Wisps of silver hair
float in the grateful breeze
for the blessings of family and friends, 
and the richness in life.

In this wholehearted nakedness
of what was nearly forgotten
you reclaim your birthright
to grow in love, no matter what -
to let the past advise
but no longer define you.

It’s just as you suspected.
It was never what you were told. 

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