POEMS FROM A RETREAT

Following the disappointing results of a PET Scan in August, Margaret and Mac have been attending regular gatherings organized by the Gawler Foundation. In October we drove to Yarra Junction for a three day Meditation retreat. In the final session all the participants were asked to spend 20 minutes somewhere in the grounds of the property and write a poem.

This is what emerged for us.



IN RESPONSE TO A MEDITATION RETREAT

Coppery Irises, Pure White Irises,
Sunshine yellow buttercups
Snowy daisies with blue centres and gold centres,
You bring to us your wildness in cultivated
Glory, by strong and nurturing hands---Those
Who commit to gardening and weeding
On our behalf



Shady trees, tall, majestic trees
Flowery, fruiting trees, you bring to us
your strong trunks and springtime foliage
Presenting to us new and abundant life
to take back with us ---
Health and refreshment to bring to our
daily activities, relationships and homes.
Thank you.



Margaret Nicoll

October, 2008














A BIG PATCH OF FORGET-ME-NOTS

[SPECKS OF BLUE IN A PATCH OF GREEN]


Familiar friends,
fragile but fertile
you grow in our inner city garden
you flourish here in profusion

Forget you we won’t
for you symbolise freedom—
freedom from fear
from incessant thought
from gnawing anxiety

You speak of contentment in just being
in simply opening up to the sun
in drawing strength from creation


No, we will forget you never
but rather we will always smile when we see you
a lovely reminder of a deep experience of grace.


Mac Nicoll

October, 2008