Barefoot at the Window

I have quietly returned to my window in our college dorm and to its opening to the morning world, a slight peek into the wonder of the earth.  The earth never seems to release me from seeking solace in his beauty, a game of hide and seek for love of the game.  Beauty is the playmate.  Such a friend, always patiently waiting barefoot on the porch stoop to see if I will come out and play.  He’s a plump friend, overfilled, always willing to play at my aging pace, his abundance never allows hurry; he’s best suited for meandering.  At the window this morning, I again read his invitation;

Earth’s crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God:

But only he who sees, takes off his shoes;

The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries,

And daub their natural faces unaware

More and more, from the first similitude.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 

Aurora Leigh