Ridván (Paradise)

RIDVAN (PARADISE)

The flowing water beckons me

As I head down to see

Nestled in that glade

 A taste of paradise made

 

For when I’m in this blessed place

Troubles and tests have no place

Time itself seems to stop

The birds amongst themselves talk

 

Countless shades of green

From treetop to ground

Can be seen

Floating above the water

Is The dragonfly

Beneath it the fish, swim by

As I sit I release a sigh

 

Swirling around me nature stirs

A convergence of joy and peace occur

I dip my hand into the stream

It all seems like a beautiful dream

A prayer passes from my lips

Water from the branches drip

 

I arise to my feet

Recharged

My spirit replete

Breathing deep

Of the fresh spring air

Of the beauty of life

I am more aware

 

With light steps

I go on my way

Ready for yet

Another day

 

If perchance

 a problem doth rise

I sit back

 and close my eyes

And remember my time

By the creek

The problem no longer

Quite so bleak

-Shiidon, Jamál 166, April 2009

Life has many twists and turns and sometimes we lose ourselves in the moment rather than look at the big picture.  I was off from work today as it is a Holy Day for Bahá'í's.  I looked forward, as always, of the opportunity to go down to the creek and spend a few moments in peace and solitude.  It is a place I have found that I can be recharged.  My creek of solitude.  It has been raining on and off for a few days now.  The are is lush and green.  I just spoke to a friend via Skype in another country.  He informed me that there are health issues that he is dealing with that may take him away from us before the year is out.  I think about the recent surgery my friend went through and now this and remember that we must take advantage of each and every moment of life as it goes by as we never know when it will be our time.  I wanted to write a lighter poem than the previous one posted.  I hope you enjoy it.