Palmtree Contemplations

Jungle It is Creative Expression day, which is the fancy term for art class. I am excited because today we are only drawing and coloring, not trying to make bi-planes, origami, or even- heaven help us -clay figurines. No, today will be the easiest of assignments: drawing and coloring a desert caravan. I quickly load pictures of camels when I come in, and even show the kids photos of the desert so they understand the setting. Then, I find a video of camels making funny gargling and groaning noises. Suddenly, as I'm loading the video, the unthinkable happens. Bella begins crying. There are different types of crying in children. There's the short, hiccuping sobs accompanied by a couple of tears. There's pretend crying which fools some people (particularly guys who don't know how to handle any type of crying) and there's also "I-want-my-mommy-I-just-peed-my-pants" crying. What Bella is doing can only be described as explosive crying. It comes out of nowhe

I am walking up this mountain and Each step is colder than the last. Do You see me where I fall Finding here no relief, No warmth, No love, Nothing but sensations whipping past? I am walking up this mountain and Each shattering thought is of You. Do You see me where I climb Fighting the frozen wind, For breath, For strength, For a bit of grace to fall into? I am walking up this mountain and The blackened valley is calling. Do You see me where I stand Looking out and down to The ice, The rocks, The chasm I'd meet in my falling? I am walking up this mountain and My loving hands are frosted over. Do You see me where I hide While the blizzard kills My words, My notes, My songs with cold exposure. I am walking up this mountain and The blue drum in my chest keeps beating. Do You see me where I kneel In the hardened snow with A cross, A map, And a compass to mark Your leading? I am walking up this mountain And I will not stop until I see You.