Essence Song

While the chaos
of the world
spins out of control,
encroaching,
threatening,
step back for a moment
and listen.
Beneath the noise,
there is a familiar
wordless melody
calling to you.
It is composed
of all the love
you have ever known,
of the heartbreak,
the grief,
of every awakening hope-
all transformed
into an essence song.
And, although it is
uniquely yours,
its harmonies
are carried on the wind
to blend with
the breath of life
that lies beneath
the chaos
of the world.

By Maria Brady-Smith
Painting by Laurel Thornton
Happy birthday, Laurel!