Author: Nancy Gaeden

Suspended

Suspended

suspended
we are all suspended
in space
in time
in thoughts

falling in and out of love
we move through life
bodies led by perception
the mind
dreaming our way

we love play laugh
die slowly
each moment precious
as the flower bloom
every connection
a reflection
of our divinity
expressed uniquely
how can this be?

life adores diversity
as an artist loves her palette
we are simply the paint
making its way to the canvas
a conversation
a rainbow

life is good
and miraculous
and each moment worthy of wonder
may i often remember
i am dreaming
and dance
in gratitude for this extraordinary
flight

Peace is Every Step

Peace is Every Step

Tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh, January 2022.

the passing of a great monk
a gentle soul
a powerhouse of humanity
i am diminished by your loss
and uplifted by your example
peace is every step. 

you embraced life
welcomed every perception
saw the light in every thing
and now
you are that light
connecting us all
peace is every step. 

you lived and taught in a way 
that was illuminating
buddha came alive
through your words
through your pen
i was and am forever changed
peace is every step

Quiet and astounding
you were always there
thank you for showing us 
how to shine
with peace in every step.

The Gift

The Gift

numerous losses
will make us forget
will make us too numb
to receive the gift of grieving
a part of us will put up her arms
hide in her elbows
while the knees buckle
and run away

but
please 
stay

let’s be here awhile
amongst the weeds
in the forgotten garden
of once was
there was a time when the flowers bloomed
and bees buzzed
and we sang and clapped

let’s treasure that
which we shared
so merrily
how our eyes shone
while we ate cake
and smiled

it is these moments that make life
adorable
and i wish
we were taught
how to also grieve
not in despair
but in tender celebration
of all our fullness

even the moon 
wanes
and still
we gaze up
and smile

The Flame of Awareness

The Flame of Awareness

alighting awareness
the flame awakens
shining everywhere
all is light
a dancing field
form and matter
and shining space
pervading
a joyous shout
the roar of silence
an infinite prayer
of Love

resistance

resistance

you stop me in my tracks
you make me listen
what’s here
I wonder
who is being left behind?
can she come
or must I say
goodbye

summer night

summer night

this summer evening
a shimmering stillness
warm and full
rhythmic waves
a song of love
reverberating through
the sweet night air

crickets playing 
the perfect instrument 
their tiny bodies
vibrating
singing to each other
and 
the deep night
a collective prayer
of longing
and
union

i listen
mesmerized
deeper still
i lean in
at the edge of my seat
sound waves
criss crossing
rhythm and flow
a glowing tapestry
an infinite chorus
of life 
saying 

Yes

A Daughter Made of Ash

A Daughter Made of Ash

For two years
i have been carrying
a tremendous grief and
powerlessness
it has slain me
over and over and over
again

Living

Living

i am dying
bravely walking
carefully
stepping over
these cracks
in the sidewalk
where
weeds are 
laughing
in bursts of 
yellow and green

The Path of Intimacy

The Path of Intimacy

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy 
I let fall the heaviness of my armor, 
and gracefully out steps a ballerina, 
dancing on her tippy toes.

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy
I crawl into makeshift forts, 
and from that cozy space 
entertain my demons and angels with high tea.

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy
the rug is pulled out from under me, 
and I’m left standing on an exquisite marble floor, 
reflecting my own magnificence.

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy
I meet my rage, breathing fire and smoke, 
a dragon guarding her precious heart
bedazzling tears of jewels falling like rain.

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy
I encounter heart-breaking beauty, 
and I have to pick up those pieces 
and put them in my pocket. 

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy 
I have to be alone and unfettered, 
so I am free to ask
Who am I, really?

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy
I have to get in my own face
to get out of my own way.

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy 
I need the warm embrace, 
and crystalline laughter of my fierce friends,
reminding me of my goodness.

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy 
I flounder in despair and helplessness, 
waiting for the sun to rise.

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy 
I indulge my senses in wine and chocolates
my lover’s caress
and celebrate being alive. 

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy 
I curl in around my numbed parts 
and massage them back to life
or get help

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy 
I cast out what is false
to protect my own integrity 
and budding sovereignty 

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy 
I look beyond the life I’ve created
to the life still waiting to be lived

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy
I brave the terror of creativity
and let her awe my judgment 
into divine silence

Sometimes on the Path of Intimacy
I abolish learned tyranny
and restore my inner freedom and safety

Always on the Path of Intimacy
I stay kind
I stay welcoming
I stay in love.

grief

grief

Here we sit
with infinite sadness
by our side
Insatiable grief
Like a loyal dog, panting
Let’s sit boy
Come here girl
Let us come to rest
Let’s stop the fight
Let’s just see each other
and Mourn
While holding hands
And touching feet