Embracing the Pain

Photo by Karen Wood

(Encarnation Convent, Avila, Spain)



Freedom from searing pain

Teaches gratitude

For pain-free movements ...

Agony of ill health

Brings me to my knees ~

Humbling my Heart ...

Through pain,

I recognize That

Which is Master of Wholeness.

Through tears,

I see the only Truth

Which can release me.

I embrace the pain ...

Grateful for it.

For what seemed my captor

Unveils itself as Wisdom Teacher.

~ By Karen Wood



The Imperfect Flower

Photos by Karen Wood

(Taken at Angel Fire, N.M.)

Bring Me an

Imperfect flower ...

You cannot do it.

For I have stamped

Perfection

On every petal ~ every leaf.

You bring me a weed,

But you don't see its loveliness

As I see it.

And you don't call it

By the name I gave to it.

Bring me a weed ~

Or bring me a Rose.

Either way,

You bring me a Mirror.

~ By Karen Wood



Freeze This Moment!

Photo by Karen Wood

 (Rose garden angel at Beverly Hall, Quakertown, PA -- http://www.soul.org/)

I brush away a wayward hair ~

Then wonder if it was actually

An angel who touched me ...

For there was no hair.

I feel a softness against my face ~

And know it to be cool air

From the humming window air conditioner ...

Or an Unseen Guide.

I almost dare not move ~

For it would put a ripple

In the thick Love

That surrounds my Being.

I want to remain trapped in the Stillness.

I want to drown in the Soup

Of The Holy Presence.

I want the deafening Silence

To lull me to Eternal Sleep.

Freeze this moment!

Oh, Holy Presence!

As I sit here burning

With love for You,

Please freeze me!

~ By Karen Wood