sometimes i am a garden lying fallow after harvest,
stripped of my nourishing abundance. my leaves are brown & crisp,
stalks & stems are brittle & broken, scattered on the resting
earth as a testament to blessings given generously.
i can breathe into the earth even when i cannot reach for
the shining sky, so i go deep, deep down past the spent dry roots.
i sleep, forgetful of bright springtime & sun, returning the
physical substance to its origin. i dream. i dream of
You, Shiva, Who planted me here & cultivated my pure
essence & reaped my natural bounty. it has emerged from
tiny hard seeds hidden in the darkness of the ground, & grown
to lift many arms & hands up to praise the sun & honor
the moon. it has been glorious, & i thank You, Shiva, as
i release the firm form into the cool darkness & soft dust
of the waiting earth. lying fallow is also part of the
process that yields the next abundant harvest in its own time.
hold me, Shiva. hold me as i rest quietly without care,
dreaming of formlessness & freedom from this human dharma.
i am 80, living in a nursing home and deepening my spiritual life as is appropriate as one ages. i am a student of the Sanatana Dharma and a devotee of Lord Shiva.
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9 thoughts on “lying fallow”
Your words reach out to create so much peace and understanding of the cycle of life, following its own rhythm quietly, assiduously. Thanks Joy. 🙏🏼🙏🏼💞
So beautiful… the metaphor is an ancient one and wise… and I love how you have said it…these are my favorite lines:
“lying fallow is also part of the
process that yields the next abundant harvest in its own time.”
This is the rhythm of Life..and we, as living beings form part and when we are no longer living, our bodies will continue to nurture the soil, from whence were formed.. It’s very deep to ponder and yet your voice is full of peace and belief…. 🤗🌹❤️
THIS HAPPENED 
Your words reach out to create so much peace and understanding of the cycle of life, following its own rhythm quietly, assiduously. Thanks Joy. 🙏🏼🙏🏼💞
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after the expansive energies of the last poem, a lull came about🙏🏼thank you for the good energy❤️🙏🏼🌺
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😊❤️🙏🏼
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I am so impressed of your words. During these times when I find myself with less and less words, I am amazed that you have so many. Love you!
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thanks so much, Suzie❤️
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So beautiful… the metaphor is an ancient one and wise… and I love how you have said it…these are my favorite lines:
“lying fallow is also part of the
process that yields the next abundant harvest in its own time.”
This is the rhythm of Life..and we, as living beings form part and when we are no longer living, our bodies will continue to nurture the soil, from whence were formed.. It’s very deep to ponder and yet your voice is full of peace and belief…. 🤗🌹❤️
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yes, i do find it peaceful when i release the patriarchal overlay of “being productive & therefore of value.” 🤗
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You radiate that and a quiet assurance and acceptance that is inspiring J hugss🦋❤️🙏
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thank you, Karima🙏🏼❤️
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