POETRY. I welcome you in.

Poetry. a full word.

a jettison that can either invite one in or keep one at a distance especially when it comes to writing poetry.

Let us step in and explore the resting and presence poetry can unfold or unveil.

Listening and then just maybe writing.

I welcome you in.

A simple definition of poetry, a much sweeter invitation than jettison sounds more like this:

Poetry—

“literature that evokes a concentrated imaginative awareness of experiences or a specific emotional response through language chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound, and rhythm.”

Evoking awareness is the beauty of reading or writing poetry for listening and discerning where God is in your life and how He is at work—nurturing, healing, restoring, redeeming, just loving you and me.

This month, I invite you to read a poem much like that of Lectio Divina. A slow reading of a poem three times and giving space in-between to be still, listen for God’s loving voice to you.

Noticing what words or phrases stand out. And within the silences, prayerfully listen and trust the Spirit to reveal, engulf, feel, and offer you consolation or release.

I offer you a poem below or choose one from your own shelf.

Or google one from the poetryfoundation.org site.

Seed

God dug his seed

into dry, dark earth.

After a sprouting up

in hopeful birth

and healing bloom

and garland grace,

he buried it again

in a darker place.

Twice rudely planted seed,

root, rise in me

and grow your green again,

your fruited tree.

I welcome you in:

Try writing a poem of your own. It may be free verse or rhyme, or something quite more.

I invite you to take the risk, be courageous, explore your voice within—God’s loving gift. Enjoy you and Him in this new togetherness.

Savorous Memories (at random)

oh the smell of newborn sweetness while holding my children in their first year of life;

family camping trips, in the Sierra’s or the sands of Sunset Beach. oh the hours could linger and I would just bask in the smells and sounds: salty waves, pines, rivers, streams;

late nights sitting around summer time campfires while giggles, singing and storytelling filled the wide open airs. oh the warmth and gladness of heart from friends gathered around; 

a large piece of chocolate flan cake from the Costa Rican cafe. oh the smell, texture, and flavors all come together in every bite;

small quiet moments within each day. oh even with the slight sounds that creep in: lawn mowers, birds, foot steps, and water flowing of any kind;

Savoring allows my soul to see, soothes the rushing beats of second’s time. feels safe on the path of knowing and unknowing;  

a secure strangeness. 

Wholeness and savoring seem to be partners —companions of beholding time.

by melanie