Leaves finding the Light

Each branch jostles for position eager to raise arms in adoration. 

Holding leaves like fingers up to the sun’s rays. 

Beseeching the radiant light to nurture and sustain them. 

This daily adoration fuels the very tree’s existence and helps the growth of roots that sustain the entire edifice. 

So too, we raise our suppliant hands begging for divine nourishment. 

Confident in the bounties of God 

and praying for this sustenance 

that fuels our inner spirit 

for the day that lies ahead.

"The state of prayer is the best of conditions, for man is then associating with God. Prayer verily bestoweth life ..."

‘Abdu’l‑Bahá

The final Fall

When there are no clouds, you can see with sudden clarity. 

The brilliance of the autumn leaves,

the rusty reds, glowing oranges take your breath away.

Fills your heart with awe

at all this abundance of beauty. 

How does the dying of some small appendage

of a tree deserve to be dressed in such finery? 

Perhaps we too, as we approach the end

should summon up acts and deeds 

that shimmer and take the breath of others with their radiance? 

For us all, the final fall is coming.

"The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds and through commendable and seemly conduct."

Baha'i Writings