by MaryAnne Brown
click to enlarge
Today,
orange is my yes to the Universe.
I have never before written with an orange pen,
and this one is so lovely,
so smooth,
so vibrant,
so ready.
Today,
the unexpected smell of
sunshine after rain
is my yes to the Universe,
and I inhale it,
drink it in
with the delight
that unexpected gifts bring.
Today,
my scratchy voice
carrying a pitchy tune with glee
is my yes to the Universe,
for the song in my heart
is too big
to silence,
no matter how it may sound.
Today,
the tears shed for the loss
of my beautiful friend
are my yes to the Universe,
because the pain of the absence
directly measures
the miracle of love that we shared.
Today,
this writing
is my yes to the Universe.
The moments of hesitation
and uncertainty,
of wondering what on earth to write,
are a worthy price to pay
for capturing on paper
this small piece of my heart.
And I turn my head and my heart
to the heavens and shout
a joyful yes to the Universe.
MaryAnne Brown first came to Callanish in 2009 during treatment for genetic bilateral breast cancer and has been coming ever since. Now in remission but living through unexpected permanent side effects from treatment, she continues to benefit from having been able to attend two younger adult retreats, a writing retreat and a regular retreat. She is forever grateful for the honesty, vulnerability and kindness shared in Callanish circles that encourages her to show up and participate no matter how low her energy is. The cookies help, too!