Poems From The Porch
A sweet waterfall flowing through Johnson Creek offers the sound of ambient serenity.
A wide-eyed verio, singing loudly in a nearby tree, his gray, green, and yellow feathers are hidden among the leaves.
The call of a golden-fronted woodpecker adds an intermittent staccato to the melodies of the Texas Hill country.
Ivory shell and sand, scrub bushes, and all variety of green, from the color of the still water pools to the infinite hues of the trees’ plumage, are painting the dawning autumn.
There is a sprinkle of yellow, here and there, gray, brown, and shy red.
It is fall appearing slowly, as conditions are right for its manifestation.
Languid, large fish are cruising leisurely through their familiar territory.
The territory is not familiar to me, but I am giving it a warm hug of hospitality, imagining what it means to create a simple, peaceful life in love with the world, what it means to stay fully present in this moment in all its lavish beauty.
There are so many birds here, and they fly surprisingly fast, sweeping and diving, down, up, across, and over.
I guess I’m doing the same, with swift, decisive action focused on my prey — that to which I am called — leading to consummation and integration, over time.
I see turtles here, too, some of them really big, mixing with the fish in a fraternal way.
And look!
There is one friendly hummingbird hovering above me in enthusiastic greeting.
I see you, little buddy.
Grandfather Fish, Grandmother Turtle, Brother and Sister Birds, hello.
I am Eagle Woman with the laser eyes, seeing into the nature of things with the wisdom of the heart, watering the seeds of compassion and clear insight within me.
Here I am, practicing and participating in our mutual unfolding, trusting in the grand process and expression of Love.
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