My feeble body parks motionless,
except for the calm contraction and expansion of my lungs,
absorbing and expelling a surreptitious element from my body,
without which I am unanimated.
It is pulled gently into my body,
enters the mouth of my nostril,
travels through fan-like bronchial channels,
into the chambers of my lungs.
Tiny cup-like flesh receives it,
channelling it across soft tissue,
into rich red flowing fluid,
delivering its goods to organic homes.
Homes collectively working,
animating the whole body,
thinking, moving,
feeling, communing.
From whence comes this surreptitious element?
It’s Mystery!
It circles planet Earth.
It pervades universes.
It transports humongous asteroids across space.
It energizes black holes and galaxies.
Massive, Dynamic, Invisible, Uncontained, Shapeless, Expansive,
Yet, like “smallin up youself” on a Jamaican mini-bus,
it’s capable of entering the doors of animals’ nostrils,
and tiny pours of plant leaves.
When the engine of the body fails,
When the brain permanently strikes,
When the heart closes its doors to life-giving blood,
Balloon-like lungs close their doors,
Then, life is no more.
Think for a moment!
What an awe-inspiring Mistresspiece
that the Hebrews call “breath of God” – Ruah…
only by which life comes alive.
If you are alive today, give thanks for this unassuming yet life-giving gift.
Beloved Reflections 