The Clearing Poem by Shaakiera Schroeder

The Clearing
Inspired by a dream I had as confirmation of
My commitment to remain in the darkness with my friend as long as need be.

I hear the screams of centuries falling
Compassion, tumbling…down
Values, landing…loudly
Chainsaws…cutting…
Right through our very hearts,
Trucks dragging…
Lifeless…
Humanity…

I tear through the thick of it
Struggling to stay on my feet
Terrified I run…I run,
Blinded by the darkness…

Suddenly as if commanded to halt
I’m stopped by the tiniest sliver of light, accompanied by an invisible force filled
With so much promise of what I yearn for.
It draws me into a world so…
Spiritually diverse…

On either side Life…
One side …so many ugly things humans are capable of.
Anger, resentment…even hate
The other….wow the other….
Acceptance…contentment…
Love as pure as the day God gave it to us.

My mind craves silence
Without uncertainty…
I step confidently through the lush protecting the light.
Welcoming me…a Clearing…so beautiful…
Completely naked in its magnificence …
Except,
For an extraordinary centerpiece of rocks,
Nestled safely between two sky scrapping trees…
towering…threatening, like two hired guards,
The rock gently embraced by its roots protruding from the earth,
Covering the once solid boulder,
Now holds a million pieces together so hauntingly tender…
Roots and rock as one.

Outside the deafening world goes on…
Screams…
Sawing…
Dragging…
Oblivious and blissful in their ignorance…

Inside….cleared minds,
Complete calm…
Sheltered by,
Unconditional Love and
Absolute devotion.

SS <20/10/09>