I am grateful for these words, written by Rich Mertes, whoever he may be. His poem, these words, were read to me at the beginning of my second consciousness medicine therapy journey. They are words that I heard most clearly that day, and which continue to inspire and inform me. Thank you Rich. – Frank Leonard.
May I Take My Place
let this be real – all of it
from the supernova to the eclipse
and the tenderness to the fist
from the past to the future both laden
with flowers and ash
as I ride here
between the long gone
and the still to come
may I take my place
in the dusty caravan of this life
while I wear this mind of flesh
may I wear it well
and sway with the pines
while I carry this heart of fire
may I carry it well
and burn with the sun
while I sing this song of soul
may I sing it well
and thrill with the breeze
may I not wish away any of it
the is-ness of this cosmos
may I not hold my breath
longing for any part of it to be done
hoping to arrive somewhere
or nowhere without savoring
every scrape and kiss of this royal road
may I take my place
with a resounding yes
among beasts and trees
and spirits and stones
may that part of me
which wants so badly to be small
be loved all the way back
to righteous hunger
and curiosity unceasing
may it be loved
and loved all the way back
to kindness and music and blood
and taking my place
in the dusty caravan of this life
– Rich Mertes 2018