Cat's Cradle

Listening to the whispers of my soul Allowing my heart to open A deep inhale through my nose Cool air surrounds me A pause A full exhale, letting my belly expand Collective grief permeates the air Multitudes of people crying silent tears The masses wear cement backpacks Their footsteps imprinting deep sorrow Into the wailing land I send my light out through my heart I listen to their words I create an arena of compassion Allowing them time to tell of their woes I gently grasp the hand of an old woman Who graces my presence I gaze deep into the grooves Covering the fabric of Her worn skin Imagining the pathway and breath Of her life’s journey Hawks circle above in the white sky Color feels like an ancient memory Twisted molten steel haunts the landscape High above on the uppermost branches Crows spy children gathering in the street Caw caw caw caw The young ones congregate A mish mash patchwork weaving together Giggles, shouts, snickers and cheers Streams of brightness radiate outward Illuminating mischievous half smiles Marbles, string, jacks, rocks and jump ropes Make their way out as Hopscotch, Double Dutch and Cat’s Cradle Become the language shared I hear escalating laughter The Elders do as well We move closer to feel The vibration and energy before us Circles of color, sound and life envelope us Simple pleasures are revealed It’s easy - they say Come join us Let us show you how Let’s play I take another deep breath Inhaling gratitude as I fall into the embrace of what it means To live in the moment Basking in the sunlight