I hear her calling to me, my old friend Meadow.

She whispers in the wind:

“Come, come, I have a gift for you.”

I am slow to respond, distracted by my task at hand.

She persists nonetheless, as a dear caring friend,

Collaborating with the birds to chirp out a louder call:

“Come, come, I have a gift for you.”

I arise to my feet with intent to go, but the appeal of success redirects my steps.

Meadow brings forth the colorful patterns of butterfly wings and flower petals.

She captures my attention with her beauty.

The battle between the desire for worldly things and for her gift rages within me.

My curiosity finally pushes me to her.

“Show me the gift.” I petition quite impatiently.

“Soon, soon, my friend.” Meadow responds gently.  “First, come sit awhile with me…”

My fingertips brush the tall grass as I wander to the creekside. 

The smell of wildflowers, the sound of the bubbling brook, the sight of creatures fill my senses.

As I rest on a boulder, Meadow sings a melodious lullaby.

After a brief hesitation, I ask:  “Is the song my gift?”

Meadow replies, “No, not quite.”

She continues to sing while painting a glorious sunset using colors I have never seen.

My heart flutters as I ask again, “Is the sunset my gift?”

Meadow answers ever so patiently, “No, not quite.”

I succumb to her allure.  I close my eyes and fall into a deep rest.

When I rouse, the creases of worry have left my face.

The dark cloud usually hanging over me has disappeared. 

The backpack of burdens I brought with me has been carried off. 

My hunger is satisfied, my thirst is quenched.

My heart is at peace. 

My soul sings with Joy.

The time to return to the world has come, I turn to go. 

 “Thank you, Meadow,” I exclaim gratefully, as I tuck the gift deep within.