The Tea Forest

Not so long ago, 

in a tea forest under the moonlight,

a bear moved gently among 

the wise and shining green elders. 

Shining wisdom. 

     Waiting for us to listen. 

          And invite. 

Bear made his way 

by following the Way 

to the center of a grove 

where a bright fire glowed.

The Fire knows. 

     The Fire grows. 

          And listens. 

Four companions gathered 

by the elemental light

to hear the wind blow tidings 

from the human world beyond.

To feel the dreams. 

     To hear the cries. 

          And longings.

Bear, Dragon, Phoenix, Tiger 

began to drink tea and dance, 

make poems and sing 

the words of a Great Reweaving.

Not lost. 

     No cost. 

          And freedom.

The tea was keen to dance 

and teach in her own way.

“Humanity is full of

imperfections,” she said.

Relentless fear. 

     Cunning doubt. 

         And forgetting belonging.

“It is these imperfections 

that create the conditions 

for the rising up of 

the joys of Life.”

Fierce love. 

     Holy wonder. 

          And connection.

They prayed on behalf of humanity 

late into the night 

sending a forest benediction 

of exquisite light.