Holding Places

All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are.  
Humility gives it its power.
​—Lao-Tzu

 Between the stream’s source,
hidden in the thick woods,
bubbling up from dark
underground wells
 
and the sea 
with its moon coaxed tides
and vast anonymity
into which all streams flow 
 
there are sabbath ponds:
sweet, safe, calm
holding places where
all kinds of life finds refuge.
 
May the waters of
our life, streaming from
an unnamed Source,
find refuge in earth’s ponds
 
where we know 
we are loved and accepted
and can let the gentle
currents wash away the judgement.
 
In this tender bowl of compassion
all kinds of new life
takes shape and is
carried down stream
 
bringing with it the
gospel that quenches 
many a thirst in this
dry and wearily land
 
before, finally
in one shimmering
moment it finds rest
in the consummate sea.
​(TLC)