Poems From The Porch
This morning, I happened to notice
the way the caladiums glow fuchsia from within by the light without; the way the water oak occasionally releases a droplet from the night’s rain; the way mirror pools lay in complete stillness beneath the trees; the way the green lushness receives my feet in soft benevolence; the way the sunlight paints shadow trees in long generous strokes; the way the tall, amber grass shimmers in the day’s radiance; the way the lone hummingbird was disappointed in her breakfast; the way my kitten friends are eager to offer companionable affection; the way the rooster seems to answer the dove’s lonesome petition; the way the petite fly, that momentarily alighted on my journal, kept wringing his hands; the way that dragonflies dance in dainty twirls; the way a hopeful invitation can lead to a “yes” that fills the heart with gladness; and the way that simple presence makes all the difference.
It’s peaceful.
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