Small stone, day 25

I pass through the cemetery up the hill on my morning walk. 
A mound with frozen brown roses and drenched pink ribbons pulls at me.
I peer at the funeral home's temporary sign stuck in the ground this last month.
It is someone I know.
Someone who showed my family hospitality when we were new in the neighborhood.
I remember standing in her kitchen and washing supper dishes.
I am suddenly sad for the loss to her family, 
but for this too: 
I didn't know she died.


Praying today:  For her family.

Small stone, day 24

Spruce needles pregnant 
with tiny globes of water
formed from mist, 
growing, swelling, lingering, 
dropping 
and beginning again.

Praying today: Giving thanks for fresh water that gives life.

Small stone, day 23

Where did day 22 go?  Let.s not go there; but here is day 23.

A gathering is called, 
an email to a few dozen.
Two come: I and another.
That's all.
More than worthy of a drive 
through hills, fog and shifting expectations,
to where one new friendship is cemented
with a prayer.

Praying today:  For the new friend.

Small stone, day 21

A comforter of soft snow wraps my village.  This corner of the world is sleeping in.   Even the train, slowed by rail repair on hold, creeps past with barely a rumble.

Praying today:  Giving thanks for the gift of rest.

Small stone, day 20

I climbed a mountain this morning---
new hiking shoes grabbed limestone and dirt,
legs burned, heart pumped, ears drummed,
lungs scoured by brittle air.
Dogs wagged tails, watched from above:  
what's taking so long?


Praying today:  For the bigger challenges friends and family are facing.

Small stone, day 19

One sentence spoken with a certain glance
and I feel myself crawling somewhere deep 
to mull things over until morning.

Praying today: For wisdom and patience.

Small stone, day 18

Immigrant snowflakes cross over into this January's strange territory. By the time I climb the hill, they have disappeared, leaving only a few of the fallen to melt by noon.

Praying today:  For all immigrants making a home in a strange land.