Poem of William Hermanns

                       Being

I am the wind that grinds the waves to foam,
blends it with rays to feed the sparkle
to my whales and dolphins.
Some bits of foam I throw onto the beach
to pat the soles of feet.

I am the flower whispering to grass and tree,
"Let us dot the air with golden honey scent
and watch the bees and butterflies."
Oh, how they drink the sweetened air
and smile at us, their friend!

I am the beam that, when the cock crows, rises
and laps from mother sun the warmth I need
to travel and give light.
And when the night builds nests, I, too, take rest,
sleep in the heart of you and me.

I am the child that draws its sparkling breath
from lips of love. I build my golden castle
where earth and heavens meet.
The night hands me a ladder made of moon-lit clouds,
and I climb up to claim my golden wings.

I am the spirit breathing atoms into my creation.
They spin a million Milky Ways around
and whirl your thought and feeling.
I fill the cosmic ocean with your being—
before you are, I am.

                                     William Hermanns