Friends of mine once sent me a video of their new Golden puppy (OMG, what is more adorable than a Golden puppy!!) discovering snow for the first time. This poem just flowed out from that, pretty much nonstop. Then I thought of my newborn son (from many years ago, and almost as cute as that Golden!), and his discoveries of his own body and space.
Dogs and kids – when they’re not absolutely demonic (smiley face!), they are such channels for the Holy, such sacred beings.
This poem is in its entirety here; it is also in PDF format, if you want to use it in a worship or ritual setting.
Wholly Wonder
The golden puppy didn’t know what to make of her first snow fall.
So she jumped at the snowflakes, one by one,
trying to grasp, to savor, to play.
Curiosity. Mystery. Gotta explore.
What other response is there, really?
You don’t ignore something as wondrous and mysterious
as this cold white stuff flowing all around you.
She snuffled and spun, scrutinizing and investigating,
filling her being with grace-filled new experience, joyfully wrapped in mystery and curiosity.
When our son first discovered sunbeams, he cooed.
Rapt. Fascinated. Looking deeply.
(He did the same when he noticed for the first time that those things flopping in front of him
belonged to him, looking with fascination at his fingers and thumbs.)
Aren’t these all holy responses to complete, entire, surprising miracles?
How else to respond to the miracle of Creation all around us, but to take it in, savor it,
hearts leaping in wonder,
and give voice to awe.