A Bench

I suspect most of us have a bench in our lives or minds where we can go to be alone in a crowd or in pristine nature with our private thoughts.

Benches serve as nature’s pew before the flickering altar of comforting light. One can find darkness in sunshine and one can find light on a moonless time of the soul. It’s a personal choice. The experience is always growth. The experience is always unconditional for benches real and imaginary allow us to touch the heart of All That Is.

The Bench

©2001, 2013 Rolland G. Smith

Though the bench appears as empty,

Old memories are seated there,

Held for a time with dignity,

Surrounded by the salted air.

Go now and sit and be at ease

With its imagined imagery

That lingers on a virgin breeze

Above the ocean’s harmony.

There’s Lovers’ squeeze and idle chat

And, of course, appreciation.

There’s worries’ stare and quarreler’s spat

And some silent meditation.

All those who sat and held aside

Their memories and feelings here

Left room for yours and more besides,

No other's thought can interfere.