Uncategorized

Welcome Mat

November 24, 2022 becomingandbeholding1 Comment

As we anticipate sweet hugs

blessed by smiles and bright eyes,

please know that

we are ready for you.

The welcome mat is straightened, and vacuumed –

all debris has been shaken out, set free.

The pillows and towels are washed and fluffed.

Beds are supplied with soft blankets and clean sheets

so you can rest.

The pantry is stuffed

like you soon will be

to satisfy your longing

in body and soul.

This heart is expectant, light –

free of any pain or stress.

There is only love and gratitude for

this coming togetherness.

Everything else can be put to the side.

This moment is worthy of full attention and care.

May this candle that I light

be the beacon you need

to find your way to our embrace.

May the comfort of this time of gathering

soothe any separation that has lingered.

Welcome to our home.

Cynthia Cady Stanton, Thanksgiving 2022

So This is Christmas

December 25, 2019December 23, 2021 becomingandbeholding3 Comments

The tree is lit

while loved ones slumber.

The house hums with anticipation

and joy.

Memories of Christmases past

dance in the heart.

We have reached Christmas again.

No matter what is under the tree,

no matter who gathers around it,

we are all joined together

to embrace the universal gift.

Love is born again.

It’s wrapped in mystery and grace

and sparkles with a glow

like moonlight on fresh snow.

Open this gift first.

Unwrap it and let it linger long

and ever present

in your hungry heart.

You are loved beyond measure.

Share the joy.

Poem · Poetry

A Teacher in the Midst

November 1, 2019November 9, 2019 becomingandbeholding1 Comment

He sits in my lap

purring away, as is his normal routine.

We greet the morning together

this way

every day.

Me with my coffee and laptop,

him with an open attentiveness.

Sure, the creature needs have been met –

he has had his breakfast –

and I already noted my coffee…

But once nurtured and fed,

my kitty always presents himself to me

to demonstrate his gratitude.

There is no other agenda –

just togetherness and

presence embraced.

I celebrate this simplicity

and his example.

He is regal in his ability to just be.

It is a treasure to behold.

I take a moment to bow to the Master

and give thanks for his furry presence

freely given.

Namaste, dear creature.

I can see you.

Poem · Poetry · Uncategorized

When Loved Ones Return

December 23, 2018December 23, 2018 becomingandbeholding2 Comments

Its a strange gathering –

all of us in our cars at the airport

anxious and watchful for that familiar smile and gait

to be seen among the masses…

Everyone is searching for that connection

to home.

It is like the perfect metaphor for life…

for daily we get lost in the crowdedness

of others in our space

as we journey anxiously –

searching and expectant –

until we are finally recognized, and

our place in the midst of it all

is secured.

We understand where we belong.

Now parked and watchful –

cell phones busy with directions,

our eyes finally meet.

Once bags are stowed,

and the heated car is filled,

the lively chatter of connection begins.

We navigate the traffic,

and reach the hearth and tree alighted,

exhausted in a happy way.

My daughter releases her bag to the floor –

“I didn’t hug you yet.”

Arms wrap around,

and eager hearts touch.

Christmas has arrived.

Poem · Poetry · Uncategorized

Holly Jolly

December 18, 2018December 19, 2018 becomingandbeholding1 Comment

Little goofy snowmen –

Their grins imperfect and sweet, cause

me to giggle inside

and step a little more lightly, so

a smile forms in me,

too.

Christmas songs in the car

blaring and sometimes irritating, but

still able to get me singing, freeing

me from caring what

others might think, because

no one can hear me.

They connect me, nevertheless

to childhood Christmas bliss, which

warms me deeply, and

brings a twinkle to my eyes.

The Christmas season lingers

longer than in past years…

so much of it is commercial, but

hopefully, it is also spiritual.

Perhaps, in these times when

connecting deeply to life seems harder,

we need the simple uplift

of silly snowmen, and

familiar holiday songs, to

be less weighted down.

One can hope, in the elevation provided, that

the vision of the Christ child

in a manger, surrounded

by a loving family –

friendly animals and kings – and

blanketed by angels –

can inspire us enough to

bring our lifted spirits to

meet each moment

in this great life

given.

In this way,

Christmas joy can become

never-ending –

the true gift of the season.