A prayer by Ulrich Schaffer

This prayer has been sticking with me the last few days and I just feel drawn to share it with you. It is written by Ulrich Schaffer in his book, "Searching for You, " which has been a favorite of mine since I was in college (a long time ago). It is no longer in print so I share it with you here. Savor it and enjoy! ~ love, jules

YOU ARE

I HEAR YOU

IN THE CRY OF THE GULL

IN THE WIND CHASING THE LAST LEAVES OF FALL

IN THE WHISPER OF A CHILD

I SEE YOU

IN THE ANIMAL SHAPES OF CUMULUS CLOUDS

IN THE TREES TEN TIMES MY AGE

IN THE WRINKLED FACE OF A WOMAN OVER NINETY

I TASTE YOU

IN THE SWEETNESS OF WHOLE WHEAT IN BLACK BREAD

IN THE SMOOTH RICHNESS OF AN AVOCADO

IN THE CREEK WATER FROM A CUPPED HAND

I SMELL YOU

IN THE AIR AFTER A CLEANSING RAIN

IN THE FRESLY CUT GREEN ONION

IN THE THICK CARPET OF AUTUMN LEAVES

I TOUCH YOU

IN THE SMOOTH BARK OF A WHITE BIRCH

IN THE ROCK BENEATH THE SUMMIT TEARING MY HANDS

IN THE TEXTURE OF WET AND DRY SAND

I READ YOUR LETTERS TO ME

IN THE TALKING EYES OF A STUDENT

IN THE JOY OF SHARED GRIEF

IN THE APPROPRIATE PHRASE RELEASING TENSION

IN THE SILENCE THAT FOLLOWS THE STORM

IN THE PLUNGE OF A SUICIDE

IN THE NOVELIST CREATING HIS CHARACTERS

IN THE TEAR CRIED IN SELF-PITY

IN THE TELEPHONE THAT NEVER RINGS

IN THE LIFE-CYCLE OF A SALMON

IN THE CANDLE FLAME THAT DIES IN ITS OWN WAX

IN THE WHITE CANE OF A BLIND MAN

IN THE EMPTY CHURCHES

IN THE BEGGARS MOUTH ORGAN

IN THE UNFINISHED SYMPHONY AND THE UNPAINTED PICTURE

TEACH ME TO HEAR AND TO SEE

TEACH ME TO TASTE, TO SMELL, AND TO TOUCH

AND TEACH ME TO READ

TO READ YOUR HANDWRITING

YOUR LETTERS TO ME