Fr La’s weekly ‘Pause and Ponder’ from along the Pilgrim Path at Lough Derg. This week’s reflection, ‘Another Oak’.
I know, I know…. I said: “The only oak” –
but the Path has always something new to give
when eyes are opened. The shape of these fresh leaves
just cannot be mistaken. Another oak!
A daughter or a son? And very well established.
How could it be that I had never noticed?
Along the margin of the ancient pathway
how often I have passed, eyes front,
my gaze ahead, while this young oak tree merged
among its humble neighbours. It gives me joy
to know that it is here. I won’t forget.
What else, I wonder, on the path of life
do I pass by unseeing?
When I have been and gone (I like to think)
this youngster will be coming to its prime
and stand forth unmistakable, unmissable:
a queen, a king, among the forest trees.
Fr La Flynn
21 June 2021
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