The Feathers Rose

after crossing the violet star
without knowing its true meaning
and filling the bird baths
with fresh water
the dove left a pure white feather
small down on the dark gray ground
I picked it up and slipped it
into my breast pocket

after meeting the healer
in her cool, dark shop
I crossed the bright street
over to the shady side
where the dove left a pure white feather
a larger one on the sidewalk
I stepped over it with care
and made my way to class

not long after…
she taught us how to hold the dove softly
in our hands and feel its peace
and share its joy
when the dove left a pure white feather
to fall into my hands as I watched
the pink waving petals of the lotus
surround sixteen ripening seeds in its fragrant womb

the feathers rose 
the petals rose 
the peace rose 
the joy rose 
as I heard my beloved enter the room 
the dove fluttered above us 
and the violet star 
held new meaning