Before the Earth Goes to Sleep

Have you ever watched the shadows of clouds glide across a grassy hill, shape shifting and billowing, playing games with the sun?

Have you observed the trees waver and quiver, their leaves reaching and drawing back, shuddering in the afternoon breeze?

Have you studied the tiny refraction of the world in the raindrop on a leaf?

Do you feel the warmth of the sun on your face? it strings together new life – cell to cell – in the depth of your body.

Would you count the veins and the specks in the leaves when the sun shines through them? God is a master of stained glass.

Do you feel the curls of smoke touch your nose, a gentle caress, as they meander skyward from the evening’s fire?

Touch a petal so soft you can’t even feel it. Brush it against your cheek to ensure it is really there.

The flower will die and a new one will unfold.

The earth goes to sleep on this quiet fall morning, let these be your dreams.