Tricia Leines

“The Birds Still Sing”

I’m so close to losing
all that matters most
The exhale of the tree
a tiger soon a ghost
 
…but the birds still sing
 
I’m so close to losing
all I hold dear
Water from a mountain stream
bright sky blue and clear
 
I’m so close to losing
what cannot be replaced
Glacier peaks and wild lands
an elephant’s wise face
 
…but the birds still sing
 
I’m so close to losing
What cannot be spared
The flutter of butterfly
A whale’s breech to air

I’m so close to losing
and time is running fast
Is it too late to trade
wanting for what will last
 
What if I just stopped
filled desire with emptiness
Swapped out craving
for a sweeter piece of bliss
 
Fed my hunger
with words of nourishment
Sold convenience for presence
and ordered enlightenment
 
What if I needed nothing
content with what is here
Could I make room for beauty
to live and breathe and bare
 
If I saw the same in
seed, cloud and foul
no separateness
in evensong, screeches or a growl
 
Could I join the birds in singing
in love and truth believe
Let my voice float high above
and warble we are free
 
Could I soar the ethers
and trust that we have hope
will I choose today  
to save all that matters most
 
…for the birds still sing…

Inspired by Sister True Dedication of Plum Village Monastery, Loubès-Bernac, France

Art Credit: Jean McEwan, Keighly, UK. Jean made this lovely image after hearing my poem. We met while taking a course offered by Plum Village Monastery and are in an online Sangha. Thank you, Jean, for allowing me share your piece.