Page 4 - 2020 July Listen - 14-3
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LABYRINTH WALK
The nun, who was no Ingrid Bergman, We called upon the ancients
warned us before we left the convent: who roamed the land (they were never more
“Our labyrinth walk is not perfect. than a foot and a half away from us,
The gravel path has weeds she promised).
and goose poop. But then,
so does the journey We walked deliberately in silence then,
of life.” finally reaching the aluminum wash tub
in the center, filled with a network of dried
She winked and waved us on. twigs.
And we followed, like lemmings The nun bent to light them.
into the cold November night, Flames catching slowly,
flashlights in hand, collars turned then rising high,
against the wind, thin ribbons cutting the night.
socks double thickness.
As the full moon rose
over Hampton Bay,
Maria Mandarino is an acupuncturist, massage therapist, and
we formed a circle and set spiritual director who lives in the northwest Phoenix Valley. She
our intentions as the nun instructed. has been writing for over 30 years, has published a novel, and
teaches classes in contemplative writing.
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