Smiling to the Day

Poems From The Porch

http://www.danamanly.com/

Today I unwrapped the gift of

bright yellow flower smiles,

brazen fire-red canna lilies,

large, curious crows visiting the live oak,

soft, wet grass enveloping my feet,

warm kitty hugs with accompanying purrs,

hungry hummingbird buzzing in for a slurp,

the ever-present buzz of a thousand crickets,

and the intermittent call of the faithful rooster.

I did not have to measure up to an arbitrary standard

or follow some imaginary rules in order to be the proud recipient.

I received these tokens because Everything is Self-giving.

So I did what was mine to do.

I smiled and said, “Thank you.”

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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.

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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