Poems From The Porch
Words cannot capture the essence of an experience,
but they can remind you of what is in the body.
Like the smell of summer grass
and the feel of a warm, soft kitten purring against the crook of your neck;
or the look in the eyes of your lover when desire arises;
or the sound of sudden, un-self-conscious laughter.
How about the feel on your skin that an appreciative gaze leaves behind
or bonfire memories wrapped in sultry smoke and youthful anticipation?
You can feel the wind and hear it moving,
but you can’t see it.
It wanders passionately like a heart seeking fulfillment
or a restless, searching mind.
You take pictures and make recordings,
but there’s no need,
for the body is an album of your life.
The soul does not experience the longing to write, photograph, and record
because it knows that All That Is
happens right now.
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