The Light
I initially published “The Light” in July of 2019 on a different Medium page following a time of upheaval and despair. The period that followed the upheaval was a time to grow and reposition and relearn how to be.
In the year following, “The Light” caught the attention of the artist-singer, Megan Leigh, the significant other of a dear friend. Megan became a dear friend too and turned this poem into something incredibly beautiful — a song on her Nashville original LP. If you want to hear her angelic rendition of the poem below, have a listen here: She makes some magic happen. A big thank you to Megan! Remain blessed. — Pete
In the busyness of the world, let us focus on light. There will always be things to do. On that, you can always rely. Important to remember this.
After you have unpacked; after you are handed the diploma; after children have passed milestones of the material world; and after every day’s end, within milliseconds our minds turn to something new.
There will always be things of importance to do. Lists of challenges to pass through are without end.
Time quickens as it does. As children, we knew.
On our last day, when the quiet is no longer an option, silence will greet us.
One day you and I will fully know our finite existence and perhaps utter those words passed through the millennia, “It is finished.”
Imagine that day now. Pause. Breathe. Sigh. Smile. Exhale the last breath.
Imagine, but do not dwell.
Let us focus on beauty and light. Let us look for the good in the world and one another.
Let us remember that regardless of circumstance, status, worldly matters, and labels; we are equal. We are birthed from the same earth as the trees. The stars gave birth to all things. I do not pretend to know how.
We know little. Let us do what we know to be good. There is so much more that brings us together. It can be easy to lose sight of this for all of us.
Lift those whom the world and you have passed judgment including yourself in this embrace.
Look for the light of transformation within and without, whether it be bright or a flicker.
I ask you to listen to the birds when they speak; their messages often are unheard. They are church bells and calls to prayer. Listen.
If you cannot see beauty, consider accepting this as a remarkable gentle reminder.
I often feel our sole knowable purpose in this mystery is to feel love and wonder-filled gratitude for this beautiful life. It is a gift we can unwrap slowly with care and delight.
