Worth the Work

My hips burn as I climb the path,

using roots as steps, but the view

is worth the work, always.

The way we climb questions until

we’re out in the open, able to

take in what we seldom see.

This is the purpose of questions,

to help us climb into the open.

Though, often, the heart burns

as we open.

This is not the pain of injury

but the pain of exercise. Like

pressing weights, we lift what-

ever’s in the way.

Only to put it down behind

us, not to deprive the next

seeker their climb, their work,

their training.

A Question to Walk With: Describe a climb you have made that has been difficult but which has been worth the climb.

This is from my book of poems in progress, The Gods Visit.

JUNE 24-26: Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY, The Deeper Teachers: Fear, Pain, and Grief, Weekend Retreat, (web link) — IN PERSON

AUG 26-28: Mercy By the Sea, 167 Neck Rd, Madison CT, weekend workshop, Reclaiming Our Humanity: Being Fierce and Tender in Our Call to Love, Fri 7-9:30PM EST Sat 9:30-5:30PM EST, Sun 9:30-1230PM, (web link) — IN PERSON

 SEPT 16-18: Friday Night Reading and Weekend Retreat (Sat and Sun), Surviving Storms: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity, The Sophia Institute, Charleston, SC, or call 843-720-8528, (web link) — IN PERSON