When I don’t know what words to share here (or anywhere else), it’s usually not because I don’t have any. Having too many words is the most likely cause, making it hard to organize the words into anything that makes sense.
A few of my writer friends turn to poetry when this happens. I’m not one of them, although I have found that poetry helps me process my thoughts in a unique way.
I used to think poetry was some far off thing that only a select few could write or understand. Poetry was something that should only be attempted by writers who really knew what they were doing with their words, and should only be read by those who could fully understand all that complexity.
Poets - and the people who read poetry - were the Special Forces of the writing and reading world.
Now I know that poetry is accessible to anyone, both the reading and writing of it. It’s simply a way to process truth in a new way. Poetry provides an opportunity to express feelings and emotions through rhythmically-written words. It’s meant to resonate with the heart, not just the reader’s thoughts.
“The key to reading poetry is not to demand of it something it does not promise. Don't try to force a meaning out of it or figure out exactly what the author meant. You don't know exactly what the author meant and they probably don't intend you to, but if you let the poem speak to you on its own, you'll find something in it that resonates.”
Phylicia Masonheimer
Until next time,
Becky
Back in April, I decided to take a more poetic approach to my From Love to Beloved study of the Gospel of John. (you can read more about it here and here.)
So in honor of today being my Love Leaves 10th Anniversary — the random/not-so-random capturing of heart-shaped leaves glimpses that began in August of 2012 — enjoy poems 8 and 12.
A breath prayer based on John 8:
(inhale) light of the world
(exhale) light my life
An a.m./p.m. poem based on John 12:
Hosanna-filled shouts from the crowd start the day.
“O Lord, save us.”
The same crowds that witnessed the dead being raised.
Signs and wonders,
palm branches and a donkey colt.
Prophecy fulfilled,
and glimpses of glory.
Then prediction of a crucifixion.
“The time has come.”
The storm-tossed soul of a savior on a mission,
a savior with oil-anointed toes from the night before.
From glory to glory,
and darkness to light.
Speaking fragrant words of eternal life.
And speaking of fragrant, one final thought to ponder:
Was the scent of perfume from the night before
still in the air at the end of the day
as Jesus prepared to wash his disciples’ feet?
Love’s lingering aroma.
From darkness to light,
and morning to night.
Remember to join me as we celebrate the love leaf 10th anniversary with a #loveleavesglimpses challenge - a month to focus on the glimpses love leaves where we least expect it. Click the image below for the details.
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