wildly courageous, this One, climbing friend Cactus, just to greet the Sun
I have not lived in northern New Mexico long enough to have that innate wisdom of plant seasons, what grows well, where, and when… that will come in time, I am sure. But, I do have enough sense to stop and notice the color purple when I walk by it, especially if that color purple is climbing a cactus.
There is something special about the plants that grow here that draws me into their song. Maybe it is their resilience. Rarely are they shaken in the midst of the summer monsoons, autumn winds, or drought. They rise through rocky soil, what seems to me, solid ground, and make themselves known. As I cower from the sun’s rays, this little One, climbs a cactus to greet them.
Or maybe, it is their rootedness. The taproots of piñons extend down into this solid ground at least twenty feet, often deeper. The same for junipers. They find home and draw strength from their roots.
Perhaps I am drawn to these lovely Beings because I long to be like them. Courageous enough to be vulnerable, to have my voice exposed, out in the open. Deeply rooted with a firm sense of home, drawing strength from those roots. That will take time. This, I have also learned from New Mexico flora. For now, I will smile lovingly at my little friend, climbing a cactus, freely singing its song to the sun.
Gentle Spirit, arouse courage in me
Gentle Spirit
Who lovingly lures desert flowers to open
and sing their song to You
arouse in me that same courage
to be vulnerable
exposing the voice
You gave me
so i may join these precious ones
singing praises to You
