Untethered

As we listen, floating up through all of the jangling echoes of our turbulence, there is a sound of another kind — A deeper note which only the stillness of the heart makes clear. – Howard Thurman, excerpt from “Center Down”

Once again,
I am

untethered.

I don’t know
that I actually untied myself
but let the waves of
time
loosen the knot.
I am

away from the shore

before I realize it.
Because,
untethered
or not,
I move with the
waves.
It’s not until I look up
or try to return

to the shore
to my anchor

that I realize how
far I have

drifted.

Sometimes
I don’t know
if I will make it
back,
coming near

(but not there)

close

(but still disconnected).

I haven’t

drifted away

completely,
there is still connection.
But the

distance

remains.

God who controls the wind and the waves, guide me even when I am untethered. Make me aware of your presence with me, even when I feel as if I drift alone. By storm or gentle current bring me back to you. While at the same time, realizing you never left. Amen.