Poems From The Porch
A still morning, gardenias beginning to bloom,
rocking on the porch,
I am conversing with the crêpe myrtles and the hummingbird,
the cats and yellow flowers,
and the city of mushrooms that sprung up overnight and will not be seen this afternoon.
It is a silent dialogue
occurring through my loving gaze
as the world dances before me,
communicating its glory,
and reveling in the admiration of my eyes.
It is also a symphony of sound,
music to my ears,
melodies mingling in harmony
as I join in the dance of Life singing to me.
A sensory feast, generously proffered,
seductive fragrances abounding,
a sweet yearning responding inside of me
as I am wooed to partake and be nourished.
Vessels of Love, one to another,
we are emptying as we offer,
filling as we receive,
the Self-giving of the Great We.
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