a would-be associate of sages and mystics

allow me an introduction

Isn’t there a bit of the sage and mystic in all of us? Isn’t there that sage’s spark of wisdom? Isn’t there a hint of the mystic’s “long, loving, look at the real,” as it’s been called?

Our dog Ronan is doing his own “long loving look.”

Of course, understanding and vision don’t appear of themselves. They must be wooed; they must be coaxed. They must know that we want them! Do we give them our undivided attention? Do we long and pant for them?

Too often, I must say of myself: absolutely not. “Too often,” I say. Dare I say, “Most of the time”? Am I indeed “a would-be associate of sages and mystics”?

Oh, I love to read their writings. But do I live them?

Could this be called a blood red tree?

Lord, tear my heart open and let it bleed the songs of the prophets!