DANCING IN THE PRESENCE
All creation dances in the Presence
All life is a dancing in the Presence
Intoxicated by the wine of Life
Each part of creation offers its share
In the great cosmic choreography
The sun offers its warmth and illumination
And spectacle of colors
At its rising and setting
The moon offers its silver radiance
A silent witness
Of the eternal cycle of life
As it ever waxes and wanes
The stars offer their affirmation
That the light shines in the darkness
But is not overwhelmed by it
The waters great and small
Offer their life-giving moisture
Without which the dance of life would cease
They offer themselves as homes
For myriad creatures
Who dance their watery dance with Life
The trees offer their arms
Upstretched in praise to the heavens
As their feet keep rhythm
The rhythm of nature
As they Dance in the Presence
All clothed in green finery and blossom
They unite heaven and earth
In the dance of life
The fields, arrayed in splendid garb
Decorate the earth
The flowers, vegetables and grains
Offer a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, tastes
A panoply of diversity
A garden of delights
For the soul and body to partake
The fields offer their provenander--
A sacrifice to be consumed
So that others might have life --
Their part in the dance of Life
Their dance of joy
Dancing in the Presence
The birds offer their varied songs of freedom
Delighting in being reminders
Of life's true purpose
As they effortlessly make their ascent
Flowing with the cosmic flow
The animals offer countless gifts
As they breathe the breath of life
And walk about the earth
Companions to humans
Offering many a diverse dance
In the panoply of life
Humans participate in the overwhelming spectacle
Of creation's cosmic choreography
Humans dance their part in the dance of life
When they offer service
To all creation
With thanks and love
When they offer their minds and hearts --
That they might be filled
With understanding, laughter and love
Their eyes --
That they might see aright
Their ears --
That they might hear
The eternal song of the universe
Their mouths --
That their words might speak
Of peace and mercy
Their hands --
That they might heal
The broken, hungry and sick
With gentle, loving kindness
Their feet --
That they might constantly
Dance the Dance of Life
Ever Dancing in the Presence
By Sister Ioanna
St. Innocent Monastic Community,
Redford, MI
From: DANCING in the PRESENCE, published by Firebird Videos, Audios & Books