Miracles

Throughout the day we watch fire
topple one tree after another.
I pack a small bag and prepare
to leave as the fire races down
the mountain toward my home. The
yard fills with monkeys seeking
safety–I pray the animals will
be spared.

Just as the fire reaches the
border of the sacred land, from
an almost cloudless sky drops of
rain begins to fall. Sky, empty of
rain for five months now covers
nearby floresta and my home with
protective rain mixed with
my tears of gratitude.

Do I believe in Miracles?
How can I not as I walk the
floresta this morning and
see how close the destruction
came? How Great Thou Art, oh
my Protector. How awed am I
at Your mercy?

I pass bananas to monkeys, spread
grain for birds, and watch a tiny
frog hop by. I feel so grateful
their lives have been spared.
One old woman living on the edge
of the floresta knows with
unshakable faith, the miracle of
God’s love.