Points

There is a point we often must come to
before we can partake of the
sweetness.

Our fruit begins growing again

almost immediately

after the bounty has been harvested

and the blossoms of inspiration

have fallen.

Growing slowly

ever present within the leafy bower
that never vanishes
remaining full
hiding thorns and fruit alike.

Only knowing the sharp and sweet

are there when we get closer

when we explore the fullness

during the between time--presence.

Not the time of harvest when we

show off the fruits of long labor . . . 
fruit bright, glowing gold
blatantly obvious against contrasting green.

The between time--

after the last ripening 

and before it comes again--

the long cycle of between 

so beautiful and bountiful 

in its passage of presence.

Welcoming the entire cycle
grow and acquire
discernment--
the points of Truth and Wisdom
that can be brutal if
we don't see them
in this moment.


Points in our journey

making themselves known

very clearly and sharply

whether we want them to or not.

The only way we aren't
hurt, scratched, tender flesh ripped
is when we open our hearts
look closely and see
the thorns on the way to the fruit . . . 
on our journey through
leafy hideaways where green fruit gestates.

No point in trying to eat the fruit too soon

before we are ready

for we will only taste the bitterness 

of grasping.

When we simply enjoy the process
welcome the long between
of growing awareness,
the pricks are less often
the way is to soften
as leaves glow with invitation
to sit in the shade
pour waters of loving-kindness
and bless the moment.

Then, before we realize

there is once more golden orange light

everywhere within the tree of life

and the juicy ripeness squirts out

--no thorns touch us--

bathing us in passionate sweetness.

________________
I don't know if all orange trees have thorns, but those in our yard in Tucson do!