Nature of all things
As I stood beneath the tree
decorated with offerings
to gods, spirits and ancestors
I became one with everything
tiny birds swooped, almost touching
as they flew beside me
the ancient banyan tree
all encompassing
drawing me towards nature
the spirit of all things
Call of the ancestors
Wind travels across sea
carrying the sound of gamelan
I can feel the dance of the barong
and the call of ancient spirits
push and pull of water's edge
languid with the heat of the day
the heavy sway of palm trees
and cornucopia of frangipani
offerings and aromas
spices to appease the gods
the distant drum of volcanoes
and heady forest paths
moonlight, giant and fecund
hangs with evening heat
the glow of sunset over mountains
vast as mother temple
I wake to morning prayer
and the sweet smell of incense
surrounded by a sunrise
as big as the world beneath it
