With Mary, I say "yes." (Luke 1:26-28)
The light is pale, gray. Wind
tosses the branches of the redwoods up the hill.
Here, more protected, the oaks are quiet
until a stirring, then calm again.
Everything–wet, green and gray
but sweet with the scent of rain.
For a moment I know something great
something new is happening.
I try to hold it, open handed
and whisper "yes" to the day
for beyond this lovely place
others are violated, hungry and sick.
I open my hands and say "yes"
…fills with hope.