Poems From The Porch
To be enveloped by such fresh coolness,
To hear the chimes respond to the loving caress of the breeze,
To notice the flutter of the wisteria as it sways in flexible freedom,
To be serenaded by the richness of the dove’s baritone coo,
To welcome the affectionate snuggle of a fluffy friend,
To be kissed by the sun and feel it’s warm embrace,
are just a few of the succulent pleasures of my grace-filled life.
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.