~with gratitude to Thomas Aquinas
Poems From The Porch
Dana Manly Art LLC
There is a cool breeze caressing my skin this morning, like a balm of kindness meant to soothe my soul.
Two jars of water with teabags are poised waiting for the sun to welcome them
so that they might release their flavor.
It is the warmth of the light that invites the tea to infuse the liquid
with its own particular grace.
Just as the sweetness of honey feeds the world, bringing good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, opening the eyes of the blind, and liberating those in bondage,
it will be said of you that because of your compassion, all beings came to you for sustenance, that your open heart was like a beacon of Love proclaiming,
"No one will ever be rejected."
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