Being Human

Being Human by Alixa and Naima

I wonder if the sun debates dawn
some mornings 
not wanting to rise
out of bed
from under the down-feather horizon

If the sky grows tired 
of being everywhere at once
adapting to the mood swings of the weather

If the clouds drift of
trying to hold themselves together
make deals with gravity
to loiter a little longer

I wonder if rain is scared 
of falling
if it has trouble letting go

If snow flakes get sick
of being perfect all the time
each one trying to be one-of-a-kind

I wonder if stars wish
upon themselves before they die
if they need to teach their young to shine

I wonder if shadows long
to once see the sun
if they get lost in the shuffle 
not knowing where they're from

I wonder if sunrise and sunset
respect each other
even though they've never met

If volcanoes get stressed
If storms have regrets
If compost believes in life after death

I wonder if breath ever thinks
about suicide
I wonder if the wind just wants to sit
still sometimes 
and watch the world pass by

If smoke was born knowing how to rise
If rainbows get shy back stage
not sure if their colors match right

I  wonder if lightening sets an alarm clock
to know when to crack
If rivers ever stop
and think of turning back

If streams meet the wrong sea
and their whole lives run off-track
I wonder if the snow wants to be black

If the soil thinks she's too dark
If butterflies want to cover up their marks
If rocks are self-conscious of their weight
If mountains are insecure of their strength

I wonder if waves get discouraged
crawling up the sand
only to be pulled back again
to where they began

I wonder if land feels stepped upon
If sand feels insignificant
If trees need to question their lovers
to know where to stand

If branches waver in the crossroads
unsure of which way to grow
If the leaves understand they're replaceable
and still dance when the wind blows

I wonder where the moon goes
when she is hiding
I want to find her there
and watch the ocean
spin from a distance
Listen to her 
stir in her sleep

effort gives way to existence

This was the opening reading today in church.  I feel as though I've been spending a lot of time in nature recently although it looks different than those who are tending to gardens.  My relationship with nature has been on my bike, but I've tried to take in my surroundings and have wondered about many of the creatures that I experience during my ride.  Each ride is different depending on the habits of the wind, sun, and clouds.  After today's ride, I have pedaled 1,000 miles (starting June 4), and I have experienced it along side nature (and some other cyclist, pedestrians, and automobiles).    Rumi said, "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do."  Maybe it's not fitting, but I love summer.  This summer I've experienced it on my bike, and I've loved that too.