I Would Notice

Poems From The Porch

Spider’s web disappearing in the absence of light

Dragonfly balancing on the tip of a stem

Frenetic water patterns reflecting on the porch ceiling

Bluejay hopping from limb to limb

Butterfly skipping randomly through the trees

Cicada song rising and receding

Car alarm sounding in the distance

Birds tweeting nearby

Writing and smiling to the morning blossoming in all its fullness,

if you were here,

I would notice and appreciate the wonder of you, too.

Engaging With The Poem

 Poetry can be a doorway to the soul and your own creativity. Throughout the ages, the written word has been used as a means to access personal truth and as a vehicle for prayer through the practice of sacred reading (lectio divina). I encourage you to try this beautiful practice and let its fruits be self-evident.

 How to Practice Sacred Reading

 · READ
 · REFLECT
 · RESPOND
 · REST

 Read the passage through slowly more than once, noticing how it feels in your body and the response of your heart.

 Reflect: What word resonates with you? What phrase speaks to you?
 What overall personal meaning comes to you? Allow yourself to follow a tangent.

 Respond by making space for the prayer of your heart to manifest. Write down the words and/or phrases that resonate with you and allow them to arrange themselves into your own poem or prayer.

 Rest with your eyes closed, perhaps using the word that most resonates with you as your mantra for silent meditation.

Dear friend,

 May your mind be peaceful and calm,
 may your body be relaxed and comfortable,
 and may your heart be filled with love.

 Thank you for reading.

 Blessings and gratitude,
 Ani