Poems From The Porch
What grand gesture would you have me do to show my love?
Sweeping you off your feet for an extravagant night's adventure
will excite you for a moment in time.
More lasting are the little ways,
the homey thoughtfulness,
that I demonstrate when I tell you that I love you every day
and how much I appreciate your presence;
when I cook a meal for you
and do things that make your life a little easier;
when I caress you gently
and let my hand rest upon your back,
when I surprise you with sweet tokens
to let you know that you are always on my mind.
I think, perhaps, that constancy and contentment
are the greatest gifts I can offer
so that you may know without a hint of doubt
that your value to me is priceless.
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