January 3rd Gatherings

Hello everyone,

I wanted to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the service at Birks and evening gathering on the 3rd. While all of you could not be there, your presence was felt in our gathering of ~50 of us. Birks Chapel felt full as people spoke with love about Silvanos.

The following poem was written on a card with a picture of Silvanos for people to take home with them. I wanted to be sure that you all can share in its message.

I part the out thrusting branches
And come in beneath
The blessed and the blessing trees.
Though I am silent
There is singing around me.
Though I am dark
There is vision around me.
Though I am heavy
There is flight around me.

-Wendell Berry

The following is a poem I wrote for Silvanos, while journeying north on a train from NY on the 1st:

The air moves
In this still space miles away
And I find I can taste:

Sudden rain in Kibale.
Red dust of Laikipia.
Salty heat in a Stone Town sunset.

I see you in these frames that memory provides.

Generous and steadying.
Careful and carefree.
Your strong heart,
Imparting wisdom with love.

“Bree, You ARE Strong.”
You left me no choice but to believe.

Believe in:
The beauty of the earth,
In spite of her scars.
The goodness of humankind,
Despite senseless brutality.

Closing my eyes,
I seek understanding.

And find the smallest, hopeful seed in my heart.
I will nurture it with good works using:
My hands
My mind,
My heart,
To keep your spirit alive.

I will be strong.

And in the goodness that grows in these spaces
My need to comprehend the mysterious will rest,
And you will dwell.
In peace.

--
I hope this brings you all some of your own peace, as we keep Silvanos alive in our hearts, minds and actions.

Bridget