(A reflection on Verse Seven)
Cabled to the constant feed of nightmare
Frightened faces and hate-filled voices
Hard to watch without yielding to despair
Without reaching for the remote my only choice
To end a dilemma I can hardly bear
How to deny the thieves of hope more rejoicing
Without tuning out the world and stifling care?
I breathe in
Eyes wide open to each searing image
All the hurt and anger and greed I see
As dark smoke and heavy baggage
Into my heart I draw willingly
With no fear of injury or damage
Trusting compassion’s certain alchemy
I breathe out
Rainbows of love and light
Streaming from a heart that’s open and warm
Illuminating those in desperate plight
Scenes and faces now transformed
Anger eased and fear put right
With peace and ease become the norm
Dreadful news has lost its power
To make me cringe and turn away
The anchor’s cut, my heart can soar
Breathing in suffering, breathing out light
Over and over, as the masters before
Transmuting whatever comes to sight
Victim of the news no more.
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Copyright Deborah McGlauflin 2010. All rights reserved.
