Sun low in the Western sky, a

single bird with

cheerful song flies

over our heads.

Through the freeze-fried grass to pond’s edge,

footsteps crunching.

Luna, ever

the explorer,

sniffs and paws at each new smell, sight,

always present,

a reminder

for her mistress.

Early morning. Stacked, blue-grey clouds

drifting above,

backlit by sun,

moving slowly.

12 geese with raucous cries fly in

formation, with

one drifter far

behind, soaring

to his own fluttering music,

apart but close.

Who can’t be filled

with gratitude?

Twas just as a Christmas pageant

should be, baby

Jesus cried and

shepherds yawned. The

first wiseman could not be heard and

the second’s voice

so sweet and clear,

the third off key.

Baby angels wandering while

proud parents and

grandparents swelled

with pride and joy.

Candles in windows, lighted tree,

clear, sweet notes

sung by boys, drift

from radio

spreading their warmth on rainy day.

Luna and I

venture outside

to stretch our legs,

breathe clean, crisp, cold air. Me in my

yellow slicker,

she in bare fur,

bouncing along.

Overhead wild geese raucously

shouting, single

drops of rain on

pond’s surface spread

into concentric circles that

gently touch each

other. We hear

pitter patter.

To experience the peace such

moments bring, all

I have to do

is be open.

Each morning my intention for

the day is to

yield to joy…to

open mind and

heart to sights and sounds that cause me

to hold my breath,

awe-filled moments

and small moments.

Time is running out, what’s past is

past, and who knows

what is to come.

If not now, when?

A shoo-in for Harvard she is!

What human can

sniff her way home

in the damp woods,

turn on the right path that leads to

her own back door?

What savvy, what

intelligence!

She solves a puppy puzzle in

record time, knows

when to please and

just when to tease.

Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks? In just one week

a new dog has

taught this old dog

to be patient,

work less, play more, get up early and see the stars,

seek joy in the

smallest things, a

crackly leaf,

sunrise, sunset, tummy rubs, wild geese, juicy worms,

and most of all

the sweet warmth of

absolute love.

Endless curiosity, boundless energy,

all packed into

eight pounds of white

and chocolate brown.

The warmth of a small head against my neck, floppy

ears, hazel eyes,

yoga expert

in downward dog.

An unexpected magnitude of joy and warmth

surprises me,

reminds me to

love completely.

The more attention it gets, the more it offers,

will start to lead

to a new place,

and transform you.

Embrace the mystery, darkness, and suffering,

follow the threads,

slender though they be,

hold the tension

of opposites, while you continue to chop wood,

carry water,

merge opposites,

become the Self.

With thanks to Everett McLaren, Jungian Analyst, for his presentation on Alchemy and the Hero’s Journey October 9, 2014 at The Chrysalis Institute.