I've broken through to longing now,
filled with a grief I have felt before,
but never like this.

Rumi

"The Magnificent Giotto"

The "father of Western pictorial art" who ushered in the shift from the inward vision of the Medieval world to the outward vision of the Rennaissance.

"Without Brushing My Hair"

Hafiz

The closer I get to you, Beloved, the more I can see it is just You and I alone in this world.

I hear a knock at my door, who else could it be, so I rush without brushing my hair.

For too many nights I have begged for Your return.

And what is the use of vanity at this late hour, at this divine season, that has now come to my folded knees?

If your love letters are true dear God I will surrender myself to who You keep saying I am.

"The Swan"

Rainer Maria Rilke

This clumsy living that moves lumbering

as if in ropes through what is not done

reminds us of the awkward way the swan walks.

And to die, which is a letting go

of the ground we stand on and cling to every day,

is like the swan when he nervously lets himself down

into the water, which receives him gaily

and which flows joyfully under

and after him, wave after wave,

while the swan, unmoving and marvelously calm,

is pleased to be carried, each minute more fully grown,

more like a king, composed, farther and farther on.

This being human is a Guest House

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a Depression, a Meaness,

Some momentary awareness comes

As an Unexpected Visitor.

Welcome them All!

Even if they're a crowd of Sorrows

Who violently sweep your house

Empty of its furniture.

Still treat each Guest honorably.

He or She may be clearing you out

For some New Delight.

The Dark Thought, the Shame, the Malice,

Meet them at the door, Laughing,

And invite Them in,

Be grateful for whoever comes

Because each has been sent

As a Guide from Beyond.

Rumi

Inspired by the beautiful movie,
"The Secret Life of Bees"

"Lightening, your presence
from ground to sky.
No one knows what becomes of me,
when you take me so quickly."

Rumi

Renee Fleming
"O Mio Babbino Caro"
Giacomo Puccini

The first time I heard this aria I cried. I had no clue what she was singing, it was just beautiful and touched my heart so completely. Renee Fleming came to Baltimore in December 2007 and I heard her sing this live. And cried yet again. Gorgeous!

"Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?"

Mary Oliver

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