Inspirational Poetry
By Sally Plauche
Walk Softly on the Earth
Walk softly on the earth ─
keep your footprints shallow.
Touch fellow travelers with a smile ─
breathe in grace
and exhale gratitude.
Leave artful traces
in quiet places
and in human hearts beatitude.
Walk softly on the earth.
Walk softly on the earth ─
keep your footprints shallow.
Touch fellow travelers with a smile ─
breathe in grace
and exhale gratitude.
Leave artful traces
in quiet places
and in human hearts beatitude.
Walk softly on the earth.
These are the poetic words of a Sedona resident and personal friend, Mary Heyborne. Mary has lived in Sedona for 32 years and her award-winning writings have inspired me, so I wanted to share them with all of you. I find Mary’s words so inspirational, so real, and so connected to our SedonaKind message. According to Sedona-based author, James Bishop, “she paints word pictures of humanity with all the colors of its strengths and weaknesses.” Kate Ruland-Thorne, another local author, believes “Mary Heyborne’s poetry touches the heart of anyone who cherishes the dynamics of loving relationships.”
Mary’s poetry also reflects on the many connections in our lives and the influences they have on who we are – connections to family, friends, and the sacred earth – and I must add, the special place we live in and call Sedona.
Mary’s poetry also reflects on the many connections in our lives and the influences they have on who we are – connections to family, friends, and the sacred earth – and I must add, the special place we live in and call Sedona.
Photo By Karen Dansby
One of my personal favorites is Live in the Earth, Not on it.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Plunge gloveless hands
into the soil
to plant a seed
or stir some food
around a hungry root.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Walk barefoot in the rain
on paths that yesterday were parched
but now ooze up
through naked toes
in joyous gratitude.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Connect with those around you.
Let guileless eyes
and open smiles
and friendly words
greet strangers.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Express yourself with honesty,
eschewing platitudes
and ─ shunning words that give offense ─
don’t parse . . . or mince . . .
or cavil.
Live in the earth
not on it.
If you give more
than you receive
don’t count.
Be generous in friendship,
vulnerable in love.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Don’t hide in fear of fortune’s blows
or cower in your stance.
Open your arms ─ open your heart ─
embrace the world . . .
and dance.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Plunge gloveless hands
into the soil
to plant a seed
or stir some food
around a hungry root.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Walk barefoot in the rain
on paths that yesterday were parched
but now ooze up
through naked toes
in joyous gratitude.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Connect with those around you.
Let guileless eyes
and open smiles
and friendly words
greet strangers.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Express yourself with honesty,
eschewing platitudes
and ─ shunning words that give offense ─
don’t parse . . . or mince . . .
or cavil.
Live in the earth
not on it.
If you give more
than you receive
don’t count.
Be generous in friendship,
vulnerable in love.
Live in the earth
not on it.
Don’t hide in fear of fortune’s blows
or cower in your stance.
Open your arms ─ open your heart ─
embrace the world . . .
and dance.
Mary has written four books of poetry, and is an accomplished, professional potter. She was the founder of Poets Corner at Sedona Art Center. She can be reached at mheyborne@esedona.net.