Poems From The Porch
Photo by Cyrus Gomez on Unsplash
A duck is snacking on unknown tidbits in the fire pit at my campsite. Now he approaches me for a handout, but I have none to offer. His back feathers are an earthy combination of smoky white atop tan.
Gliding low under the dense clouds, a flock of heron appears and then is gone — a visual representation of transience.
There is a strong breeze blowing the gray-green water of the lake in my direction, and I recognize the abundance always flowing to me — an eternal wellspring of sustenance.
There is nothing to store or hoard. The very act of clinging blocks the flow, for a cup cannot be filled afresh if it is occupied with a stale beverage.
There is freedom in releasing the conditions I place on my happiness—like being a couple with a man I will always love. His body is gone now, so I am physically uncoupled; and I see the distinction between letting go of him and making my happiness contingent on things being a certain way. Therefore, I have a choice.
I went dancing last night and adorned my caravan with blue lights, a bohemian tapestry, and a hand-woven dreamcatcher that I purchased at a festival. All are symbols of my heart’s hospitality to the bounty of now.
Because come to find out,
I like this life, too.
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
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