Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still
for once on the face of the earth,
let's not speak in any language; 
let's stop for a second,
and not move our arms so much....
-Pablo Neruda
​

This excerpt from Pablo Neruda is setting the tone for me these days as I step back from the airwaves, the broadcasts, the posts, the noise of opinions and speculations. I hope you too might take time to reflect on that perennial question: "What is mine to do today?"

                                                   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   

Leonard Cohen, Canadian poet, singer, songwriter died November 7, 2016.  At age 82, Leonard was in failing health and ready to die. "You Want it Darker" is the title of his newest album, completed in October 2016. He reaches deeper into his own spiritual well bringing forth timely introspection for all of us who try to walk a better path. In an interview at the release of this album he explains the prayer of  
preparation and humility:  "Hineni, hineni, I'm ready, my Lord."  

"The declaration of readiness, no matter what the outcome, that's a part of everyone's soul.....It's only when the energy becomes articulate that we can locate the willingness to serve."

​In tribute to Leonard, one of the most articulate energies of our time I offer my reflections.

From the introduction to A Course in Miracles: This course does not aim at teaching the meaning of love, for that is beyond what can be taught.  It does aim, however, at removing the blocks to the awareness of love's presence, which is your natural inheritance.

cleaning

it is so messy, my house, 
dust adorns the table tops 
and scuttles behind the chairs
my shelves are cluttered
and I have many forgotten promises
 clothes in piles for mending
garden tools to put away
weeds to pull 

I know which neighbor
lives with more mess than I do 
who has dirty dishes piled
and broken furniture
I know who makes a list
for handling all the tasks
and checks them off each day
feeling smug and satisfied

I'm not as bad as this one
I tell myself with pride
and much better than that one
but today, quietly, I open all my windows
give thanks to the Light
pick up my broom and dust cloth
and begin 
to clean my own house
room by room

- paboernke -

afterword
 
​
this morn
follows after the night
of storm and consternation
 
the gray dove
perches on my apple tree
cooing her love song
 
 
phyllis boernke
©9 november 2016