We will be reminded
when we’re playing small
when our hearts have been closed too long
or when our listening has become fatigued.

We will be reminded
when we have grown comfortable
and when our attention
to the turning of the seasons
has paled
in the light of our own, artificial, glow.

Like the sound of a bell
calling us awake
or the rap of Zen Master’s stick
bringing us back to attention

we will be reminded.

Or perhaps like the final surrender
of an aging wall
the dam will finally burst
and we will be reminded

that the forces that are always, patiently
asking for our attention
when refused
may instead demand it.

And when we remember
let our hearts, like the dam
break wide open
and our attentions be stripped bare
to a single moment in time.

As if coming out of a dream
we didn’t know we were having
may we all awake to the same
moment

and remember that we are alive

remember that we have a choice

we can choose to go through the despair
of breaking down
to meet the Love that is waiting there…

or we can choose to fall asleep again
and in slumber
we hope to forget.

NO! AWAKEN! Let your heart catch fire!

The path to wholeness lies beyond
the broken heart – it cannot be avoided.

That Love is forever merciful,
But still we will be reminded.

Do not go to sleep.
Do not go to sleep.

Burn with the fire of one who is finally
AWAKE
whose heart, cracked wide open,
stands ready instead to choose
a different dream.