In the Rhythm of Life

Being born human, life can endure,

While a butterfly’s life ends almost the same time it begins.

I often listen to the wind, knowing it has something inspiring to share.

When I hear its sound, I come running, ready to feel clear without fear.

Life often feels so far from what I imagined it should be.

When I feel lost, I think, what would nature do with what it sees,

If it were me?

In its perfection, human chaos has found its way,

And I wonder, universe, why so much natural beauty

When life seems so obsessed with mindless duties?

Do this, say that—no thank you, I say.

We know that life is more than what we can take

And what we do for heaven’s sake.

I’ve seen so much, but still, I seek answers in the quiet stillness,

In nature, my constant, always there, like a patient lady-in-waiting.

In the wind, in the animals, and in rivers that flow,

I find my sanity, my peace—perhaps the only world I want to know.

This is the part of life that truly makes sense.

Loud voices, noise—they just tighten my chest,

So anxious I wonder if I’m truly human.

Or if I wear a mask.

My skin, nose, eyes —they might read me as human,

But I don’t feel connected with mass human intention.

Sanity finds its home deep in the trees,

In the simple hum of the bees.

by Heidi Millar