Poems From The Porch
The sun is a crisp, coral ball in the morning sky,
boldly proclaiming his presence in neon glory.
There is a hint of wood smoke in the air.
Church bells are calling me to reverence as the wet grass sinks beneath my feet.
Mushroom castles were built overnight,
unlike Rome,
making me wonder if I could see them grow if I laid on the earth in anticipation.
Could my watchful eyes detect the subtle changes?
It is enough to be a part of Life‘s unfolding,
to receive the gifts of the day with trusting hands.
I am reminded that my very Being is a process of Becoming.
It’s funny how humans make up rules about the way things should go
to somehow contain and control Life’s fecundity.
When Love’s response is a grand, “Yes!” to all that is,
no censure or reproval,
standing with open arms to receive and honor it all.
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