Poems From The Porch
photo by Ksenia Ksenia on Unsplash.com
I don’t want to wear a name tag anymore
announcing who I am,
as if there is meaning in a title,
a set of attributes in association.
I don’t want to have a goal
of what I might achieve,
ambition and endless striving,
when all the world is patiently waiting for my welcome.
I know the truth anyway,
so I’ll just rest in appreciation and hospitality.
Besides, I have not any thing,
but the ability to notice,
to see the waving of the long grass
with the amber headdresses,
and how my feline friend gets entranced with a fly,
then pounces;
the warmth of the cotton blanket,
the redolence of the jasmine,
the movement of the wind
shimmering through the leaves
and awakening the chimes;
how Fozzy-girl looks up at me with affection,
purring her own prayer of thanksgiving
as I gently caress her black softness;
to sit before this mighty oak
laden with vines and dainty flowers,
to be the one who sees
and bows in humble recognition.
I’ve changed my mind now.
You can put a label on me,
if you must,
but it will not be one of distinction,
but inclusion.
Let it read,
“Participant.”
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