Poems From The Porch
The Tulip Inn, Houston, Texas
Crisp, blue void expanding above
Magnolia tree companion sporting velvet under-leaves
Friendly neighbors offering good-natured smiles
Cinnamon hazelnut java heating the white ceramic cup
Sun shining warm love in abundance
Bobwhite quail calling, “toot sweet”
The screech of the bluejay following shortly
Rust-colored leaves hanging onto bare trees for dear life
Winter freshness enfolding everyone briskly
Tulip cut-outs adorning the porch rail posts
It took intention, sustained effort, and an eye toward generativity to carve those tulips;
and love,
a happy, playful love.
Now I see!
Someone is sending me love from all those many years ago.
You did this for me
and all who would notice the gift and unwrap it.
Thank you, dear carpenter, thank you.
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 truths to 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
PS I highly recommend The Tulip Inn Airbnb if you need a place to stay in Houston! Great location and charming accommodations!
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