Being Not Afraid

Elizabeth and I were walking through a springtime woods along Lake Superior, on one of our many trips to the sea without leaving Minnesota. High above the lake, the path took us across a ravine. As we reached the other side, we saw Bunchberries in full bloom. Elizabeth  captured the moment with her ever-present camera .

My very first thought that came to  mind . . . these are white doves of peace — everywhere. The poem “Being Not Afraid” was birthed that day. It remains a favorite of mine. It was not long after that visit to Lake Superior that we came up with the idea to pair Elizabeth’s photographic images with my poetry, each to have thoughtful conversation with each other. And hopefully a third conversation with the viewer.

BEING NOT AFRAID

It will be as if,
in the dry autumn of earth’s life,
the world’s people
walk a woodland path ―
expecting only
crumbling rustling leaves,
a shriveled mushroom or two. 

Around a bend 
tiny, white doves
appear everywhere
and they are not afraid.

And now ―
littered with peace,
the glade is watered and turns
to spring. Not just here, or
there; but everywhere.
And peace is not afraid.

It will be like that ―
the springtime for earth’s people.

Imagine, being not afraid ―
peace everywhere.

It will be like that.

          Clem
                                                                                       Published in the National Catholic Reporter, in June 2008

                                and used with permission.