Poems From The Porch
photo by Łukasz Rawa on Unsplash.com
Breathing deeply of this moment, I notice . . .
the persistent woodpecker doing what woodpeckers do,
the crows cawing, dog barking, chimes singing, the rooster cock-a-doodle-doing,
and the sun shining the brightness of a clear, blue-sky day.
Dependently co-arising in a dance of diversity in unity,
my heart is full of love for all that is,
even the grand sorrow and pain.
To feel;
to care so sincerely that it hurts;
to appreciate, in trust and admiration, the wonder of it all . . .
this is me showing up and adding my voice,
such that I am.
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