Poems From The Porch
photo by Ricky Rew on Unsplash.com
Sitting with the steadfastness of the vine-draped oaks,
there is a stillness in the depths of my being.
I am draped, too, with the peace of simple presence,
inhaling this moment,
exhaling gratitude.
Thunder is sounding in the distance,
water droplets falling lazily from the leaves,
and now the rain again,
pouring in sheets from the sky.
Weather changes,
like the circumstances of our lives.
Thoughts, feelings, and actions
are all part of the transient show.
The Eternal Witness within
calmly abides.
Remember who you are.
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