Earth Blessings

The soaring eagle lifted me

Above the sameness of the days,

Of earthly creatures only he

Can gaze into the solar rays.

No life experience of toil

Can overtop the joy I live

When fingers touch the living soil

And earth returns the love I give.

Each blossom speaks a fragrant prayer,

The trees I worship overhead,

The butterflies on scented air,

These also are my wine and bread.

I bless the rain, the clouds, the snow,

And yes, I have borne human grief

Too deep to sound and yet I know

I am still gladdened by a leaf.