The door opened 

all was still

for a moment

for a long breath

a figure held my attention

by doing nothing

by being

fully embodied

conscious of every breath

when she moved

the stillness did not end

she carried it with her

she did not seek attention

the feather weight gravity 

with which she was dancing 

was magnetic

she told me she meditated

and saved up each year

to go to India

and do painting meditation with children

Her eyes lit up as she described their enthusiasm, 

their creativity

their communication with spirit

I was young

distracted

by dreams of fame and fortune

I wish I had thrown off the chains

of rebellion

against parental expectation

of empty dreams

I wish I had followed her

I always remember that first encounter

reminded of her 

on the rare occasions

that stillness, silence and solitude have found me

in the midst of art and being

Now I am old

I meditate 

I paint

I write

I dream

I live alone

I have come home to myself

I guard my piece

of stillness, silence and solitude 

ferociously.

By Bríd Wyldearth Imbolc 2014

inspired by listening to John O'Donohue

Contribution for 2014 Brigid Poetry Festival:

https://www.facebook.com/BrigidPoetryFest