Poems From The Porch
Yesterday, I received the gift of sadness.
It came unbidden,
like the cracking of an oyster shell reveals a tender body grasping a pearl.
Yesterday, I received the gift of confusion.
It seeped in ubiquitously,
like the chance introduction of beet juice infuses clear water with red.
Yesterday, I received the gift of agency.
It presented, at first dimly,
like the slow turning of the Earth allows the sun to bring clarity to all things hidden in shadow.
Yesterday, I received the gift of joy.
It arose organically,
like the delivery of a pithy punchline ignites the spontaneous eruption of laughter.
And today, I received the gift of perspective.
It manifested in segments,
like the piecing together of a puzzle facilitates awareness of the bigger picture.
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 truths to 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
Thank you 😊