Earth Etude for 3 Elul

Enfold me, Earth

By Carol Reiman

Enfold me, earth,
Entwine your thick limbs
With mine;
Lift me up above
Your blushing beauty,
Opening me to your new day.

Show me how to know you
As we whisper in each other's ear--
Willow rustle,
Sizzling spray upon the sand;
How I meant to help,
How I hurt you,
How we can heal
In easy forgiveness,
How I can keep you as
You keep me--whole.

Dance in freedom,
Moving together,
None to crowd out
Both our voices--yours and mine--
Gulls' cry, sudden thunder;
Rushing torrents, oaks riven
Into fresh surfaces
For new growth.

Groom me to your model,
Shaker of change,
Mentor of shores that welcome
Both fresh and salt;
Teach me to leave
My shell behind,
For other use
As home for hermit crab.

Reach for fresh tastes,
Those not yet sampled;
Urge your passion onward,
Twist, turn, recombine.
Yet hold me, earth,
In your warm embrace,
As I seek to reach
The Consciousness
Of Creation
In the New Year.

Carol Reiman's past year has been one of exceptionally active change and adjustment in the Boston Metro area.