the evening prayer

in the evening

when i leave school

the sun is low on the horizon.

i leave by the front door

to the school.

to my right is a small bush

that has held its leaves

regardless of frosts,

winds,

rainstorms . . .

even time.

i have said goodnight

to this little bush

countless times since its planting.

and i am fairly certain
that it has heard
my simple prayer

each evening
upon straddling the frame of my bike
prior to departing:

"please

take all those whom i teach

all those whom i work with

and all those whom i love
safely home
by whatever means
so that we may continue
to share our blessings
in each others company

tomorrow".

i like to think
that the smile
that spreads across my face
is an expression
of the energy
that flows from that little bush
to me
as i leave.

the rewards of this simple act

are immeasurable

as i am reminded

of my place

and purpose

here.

of my impermanence.

and especially

of the incontrovertible knowing

that all

that i look upon,

is the surface manifestation

of love.