St. Innocent of Alaska Monastery
9452 Hazelton, Redford, Michigan

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