An empty branch--at rest, then filled.

Mary Oliver, from Evidence (2009):

Empty Branch in the Orchard

To have loved

is everything.

I loved, once,

a hummingbird

who came every afternoon--

the freedom loving male--

who flew by himself

to sample

the sweets of the garden,

to sit

on a high, leafless branch

with his red throat gleaming.

And then, he came no more.

And I'm still waiting for him,

ten years later,

to come back,

and he will, or he will not.

There is a certain commitment

that each of us is given,

that has to do

with another world,

if there is one.

I remember you, hummingbird.

I think of you every day

even as I am still here,

soaked in color, waiting

year after honey-rich year.

Jesus, Matt. 10:16-17:

But Beware of Men...

I send you out as sheep among wolves.

Therefore, be as shrewd as serpents,

and innocent as doves.

But beware of men...

Jeremiah 6: 16:

The Good Way

Stand by the roads and ways,

and watch.

Ask for the ancient paths,

where the good way is.

Then walk in it,

and you will find rest for your soul.

Jesus, Matt. 11: 28-30:

Come To Me

Come to me

all you who are weary and heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you,

and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble of heart.

And you will find rest for your soul,

for my yoke is easy,

and my load is light.  

Jesus, John 15: 9-10, 12:

Abide in My Love

Just as the Father has Loved me,
I have also Loved you.
Abide in My Love.

If you keep my commandments,
you will abide in My Love...

This is my commandment,
that you love one another,
just as I have Loved you.