Throughout most of my childhood,
I climbed my beloved climbing tree
that made sour plums in the summer.
The best climbing tree in the neighborhood
was in the front yard of an aged retired couple
who had been missionaries in Japan.
Not a word about religion was spoken.
Just unconditional acceptance.
A lovely backyard flower garden with roses,
an insanely beautiful bird of paradise plant.
And unconditional acceptance.
Two pianos.
And a gigantic Japanese painting in gold
and lovely shades of green above one piano.
They were kind.
Once, my friend Sue and I tried to have a picnic in their tree.
It didn’t work. So we had a picnic on their lawn.
They came out and checked in with us.
We said we tried to have a picnic in their tree, but it didn’t work.
So we were having a picnic on their lawn.
Unconditional acceptance.
Such a kind gift.
Such a light in the darkness.
I wonder if they knew…
Lena L