Surprised by Joy

by Ananda Vrindavan

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It’s a restless morning

I’m dragging myself around

Avoiding my beads and other meditations

Until I open the front door and there I see

A colorful box turtle, holding still

With neck stretched and head raised

It’s an utter surprise in these pre-dawn hours

And the extraordinary beauty stops me in my tracks

‘Sit with me’ I hear her say. Slow down. Take your beads

And I do. I sit nearby and watch her not move

Except for her eye which glints in the porch light

And reminds me of the soul within

Kindred spirits, this turtle and I

Why now, why at this moment do you cross my path?

To encourage me to keep going

No matter how slow things seem to be?

To withdraw within when I need to?

To hold still and be quiet more often?

Later she is gone

I miss our momentary connection

But savour the gift of her presence

And the prompts she left in my life.

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