POETRY

I AM

An I AM poem

Self-portrait by the the author.

I AM the breath that shines in the fog
I wonder how the world resounds
I hear the dog’s lament at the siren’s passing
I see that which is unseen
I want that which has no desires
I pretend to be incorporated into time and space
I feel beyond all that can be touched
I touch the in-between spaces between every caress
I understand understanding is futile in putting anyone into a box
I say the words in my heart by the gaze in my eyes
I dream of a world in passing
I try but can never end
I hope all hopes turn into solid knowing
I AM THAT I AM

— Janaka Stagnaro

I found this poem in my satchel the other day. A couple of months ago, I attended a workshop on bringing positivity into the classroom, presented by the arts council I work for. Of course, you cannot bring peace into the classroom if you are not at peace within yourself. So, we discussed artistic ways that we can utilize for ourselves and bring into the classroom. This was one of such fun activities, writing an I am poem.

If you feel inspired to write your own, let me know.

Thank you to Chrysa Stergiou, Fernando Munaretti, and Mary Kontouri — the triple delights for Catharsis Chronicles.