(x = space)

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The Necessary Shadow

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If we

Turn toward light,

We’ll need some shade

Not the kind to throw

But that kind that is

Provided by

Glasses or

A hand over our eyes,

Better still by

Trees inspired by

Craters on the moon

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Unmoored,

The light might take us far

If our eyes will need contrast

Even shadows

Providing shapes

Familiar or strange

Along the way

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I’m not sure that

This is death

When it might be something new

That will bring us home,

Afterward

The end of an exhausting day

As at work

Or an amusement park

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Light and darkness

Shape and shadow

Strenuous meditation

And there is such a thing

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The quiet life is not

An easy one,

Given the world

And our natures

While listening

Is hard as well

And nothing automatic

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Listen for the litany,

Expression and response

Between root and branch,

Wing and song

Listen for the turn of

Earth and the stretching

Of the band with

Its own satellite

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We are part of all this interaction

The universe a living place

For us

Life in life

All loves excelling

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C L Couch

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Photo by Thomas Richter on Unsplash

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“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” a hymn

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