Open

I

A tightly closed bud

Bursts forth in an explosion.

Radiant colors!

II

Hushed notes crescendo, 

Rising, exquisite climax,

Sensual, sublime.

III. 

In opening - joy,

Vulnerable, yet beautiful -

Reveals God's glory.

(Photo: Tyler Arboretum on Earth Day 2016)

Freeing Us

Freeing us

Arms outstretched and releasing,
being vulnerable,
facing life with gusto
(without fear),
knowing we are loved
even when we fail.

Life is ahead of us
in more ways than one:
We open up our arms
to let go, to be free
so that we can embrace
that which is
life-giving.

You!
You make it possible:
Your own arms outstretched,
letting go of life
to gain life
for
us.

There you are
on a cross.
Freeing us.