Poems From The Porch
Don’t forget to walk barefoot in the grass after a good, soaking rain,
or to listen to the coo of the dove and the hoot of the owl as they harmonize.
Remember to notice how the sun wakes up the greenness
and invites the wildflowers to come out and play.
Pay particular attention to the glistening droplets that are clinging to the wisteria leaves
and how the dampness gives them a shimmering sheen.
And don’t fail to recognize how everything is effulgent,
in its own particular way,
giving you so many reasons to rejoice in this holy moment.
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