Stillness
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For Those Who Rise at Night
I rise at night,wander empty rooms–the cats remain asleep at the foot of the bed,black fur blending to darkness. I listen for the voice–listen in vainfor the voice I knowcan shake me,awaken meto freedom. Perhaps tomorrow nightI will rise againand… Continue reading
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Stained Glass
The sanctuaryhas never glowedwith such cool beauty. The restored rainbow of western windowsburns with unnatural intensity,set ablaze by the setting sun. Fans swirl chill airover and around us.Awe is worship,is wonder. Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All… Continue reading
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Mirror
I stand on the shore,just after the sun–firey orange orb–slips beneath the thin horizon. Water licks my bare feet,gently slaps the sand,pulls away,repeats,unhurried,consistent. My pulse slows,my mind stillsand wonders what might waiton the distant, mirrored shoreline. Perhaps someone just like mestands… Continue reading
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Cause for Concern?
Alone and silent,should I be concernedthat paper and pensatisfy me entirely? Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading
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What We’re Missing
Give me a reasonwhy life in this seasonshould seem so unbearably bland. With num'rous attractionsand endless distractionsthere's something we don't understand. We're missing the essence,don't pause in the presenceof silence, of people, of land. Text and image © 2012 by… Continue reading
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To Choose Tranquility
3:00 AM.Why am I awake?Odd dreams, perhaps? I scan myself: Seems nothing troubles the mind. A slight shift eases an ache in my back. Work is hours away. I find no logic for disturbance. So I tell myself: Enjoy the moment. Make… Continue reading
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Snowfall
Join us for tea? We will sit in silence,sipping and sustainingthe sacredness of the snowflakes,falling just outside the bay window. It's hard to knowwhat is the truer temple–the table we share,or the snowfall inches beyond the glass. Text and image… Continue reading
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The Door of Stillness
I slam my fist.I slam my fist,I slam my fistagainst the door of stillness. Why deny me entrance? It finally occurs to meto sit in stillness,until stillness welcomes me. Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading
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Small and Cool
The sanctuary,baked by the low, western sun,swelters. But meditation stills the body,and a stilled body cools–cools as the need to do evaporates,cools as only being is required. Cools.Stillness cools me.Coolness spreads to/from those around me,those who, like me,release into less.… Continue reading