The Invitation

Poems From The Porch

photo by Helena Munoz on Unsplash.com

Shiny, wet cast iron fronds

receive the droplets from the overhang with intermittent plops.

 Intoxicating fragrance from the confederate jasmine

is generously released as the starlets hang in swaying vines.

 Kelly green, lime green, khaki green, emerald green, sage, and bright

have taken over the earth,

even in the reflecting pools loitering in the yard.

 Look, the cedar’s sweet little knobby buds are reaching for the sky!

 To think that I might be as redolent as the jasmine,

a pleasing adornment for the world;
 that I might flower in innocent loveliness,
 open-hearted and trusting,
 unselfconscious,
 both fragile and bold.

 I accept.

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 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