I walked through the birches by the river today. Overwhelming! The earth is stripped down to simple designs. The land has become a visual haiku. Sun on the fretwork of twigs. Blood droplets of rose hips clinging to the bushes. The chatter of the creek against trimmings of ice. The skiff of snow. My breath a white cloud like a departing soul... I have always been beguiled by birds. As if there was much they would tell me if they could, but they are only permitted to bear witness with their lives, their song.
It was said that God once sought advice from a Master. "I want to play a game of hide-and-seek with humankind. I've asked the angels what the best place would be. Some said in the depth of the ocean. Others said the top of the highest mountain. Still others, the far side of the moon or a distant star. What do you suggest?"
Said the Master, "Hide in the human heart. That's the last place they will think of!"