Impermanence

Poems From The Porch

I don’t want to miss

the petite pink blossoms

waving at me sweetly

from atop their lanky perches,

nor the song of the cicadas

as they woo me

with their summer melodies.

I don’t want to miss

the grace of a robust breeze

on a humid Louisiana morning,

nor the sultry sounds

of the chime swaying sensually

in the wind’s gentle breath.

So I am paying attention

and inhaling deeply,

knowing that this moment is precious

and will never come again.

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

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