We are so often unaware of it and those who do not fancy themselves to be romantics are certainly not intentionally seeking it. The pure, simple truth remains however, that the beauty of poetry is in the essence of Life.
What exactly is poetry?
Here is a literal definition:
~ the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken for exciting pleasure, imaginative, or elevated thoughts.
~ literary work in metrical form; verse.
~ prose with poetic qualities.
~ poetic qualities however manifested.
That very last quality is what strikes a resounding cord with me.
This is when poetry transitions from the realm of being a noun into a verb.
Poetry in motion, so to speak. The continual rhythm of Life.
This is when poetry transitions from the realm of being a noun into a verb.
Poetry in motion, so to speak. The continual rhythm of Life.
When you begin to see poetry in this way, you will find that your soul has its own definition and that it may even ebb and flow with the seasons of your life and your individual journey. As the depth of our character becomes richer and more textured throughout our years, we step into an unseen cadence. The better we know the poetry of our own self, the more we recognize that of the world beyond us... lying just at our fingertips like a magical fairyland.
Observe your fellow sojourners in this land of the living.
The young mother with a newborn babe at her breast ...
tell me that is not pure poetry.
The hard belly laugh of a child who's doubled over with delight
and can't catch his breath from it all.
The very elderly with their crowning glory of grey hair
and faces that are softened so sweetly by time.
I could go on and on...
When we begin to shift our focus from the negative to the positive; the ugly to the beautiful, it really does make a difference. Not only does it change our immediate response and reaction to those around us but, over time, it transforms us at the very core of our being and enables us to walk more in the Spirit and less in the Flesh. In the Spirit we find love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22,23). I don't know about you, but personally, I would so much rather have all of these things in my life than the harsh and hateful things the world has to offer. But here's the thing. I want to be sure that I'm not just on the receiving end of this big beautiful basket full of fruit. I want to know that I am handing it out in my day to day life as well.
So not only do we see poetry all around us if we take the time to really look and we find it within ourselves as our character becomes more fruitful, but I believe it pours out of us in creative and imaginative ways of individual expression.
The young mother with a newborn babe at her breast ...
tell me that is not pure poetry.
The hard belly laugh of a child who's doubled over with delight
and can't catch his breath from it all.
The very elderly with their crowning glory of grey hair
and faces that are softened so sweetly by time.
I could go on and on...
When we begin to shift our focus from the negative to the positive; the ugly to the beautiful, it really does make a difference. Not only does it change our immediate response and reaction to those around us but, over time, it transforms us at the very core of our being and enables us to walk more in the Spirit and less in the Flesh. In the Spirit we find love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22,23). I don't know about you, but personally, I would so much rather have all of these things in my life than the harsh and hateful things the world has to offer. But here's the thing. I want to be sure that I'm not just on the receiving end of this big beautiful basket full of fruit. I want to know that I am handing it out in my day to day life as well.
So not only do we see poetry all around us if we take the time to really look and we find it within ourselves as our character becomes more fruitful, but I believe it pours out of us in creative and imaginative ways of individual expression.
Poetry can be found in the things we choose to do.
For me it's so often expressed within the hushed gliding of stitches from one smooth needle to the next, creating a melody that my hands know by heart; row after row of stitches falling from the end of a hook forming a new song. Every single person has something beautiful and unique to offer. We really should operate from a place of love and respect.
The World so often serves up a steady diet of Hate by the fistful. Therefore we must make it our life's mission to live from a place of sweet poetry whose birthplace is pure love. Love that comes from on High and is offered with open hands to our fellow man. Love that "seeks not its own" (1 Corinthians 13:5) and expects no reciprocity for what is freely given. The World would teach us to be
self seeking but if we listen closely to the poetry of our souls, we will find that place where God has formed us to prefer others first. It is there, I truly do believe, in the soft hidden layers that lie deep within us, just waiting to be set free and put into motion. Unconditional, perpetual motion.
"Love is patient and kind;
it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited;
it is never rude or selfish;
it does not take offense, and is not resentful.
Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth;
it is always ready to excuse, to trust,
to hope and to endure whatever comes.
Love does not come to an end."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
self seeking but if we listen closely to the poetry of our souls, we will find that place where God has formed us to prefer others first. It is there, I truly do believe, in the soft hidden layers that lie deep within us, just waiting to be set free and put into motion. Unconditional, perpetual motion.
"Love is patient and kind;
it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited;
it is never rude or selfish;
it does not take offense, and is not resentful.
Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth;
it is always ready to excuse, to trust,
to hope and to endure whatever comes.
Love does not come to an end."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Just beautiful Danette. What a lovely way of looking at things. I love how you describe your knitting as a poetic and creative act, coming from love. That shawl is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings to you Deborah
ps I am wearing your gloves, as it is now officially winter, in the 30s.
Thank you Deborah. That is the second time I have made this shawl. The first time was in lavender for myself. This one was a custom order. I love making this pattern.... true poetry to my soul indeed.
DeleteYou have a Happy Thanksgiving too Sweet Friend,
And I am so Happy that you are enjoying your mitts :-)))
Danette
I love your perspective on things, so fresh and infused with positivity! There is indeed poetry all around us.
ReplyDeleteWell and THAT from a famous POET....
DeleteBy the way, I have made certain my family knows I want your recent book for Christmas. It's the only thing I've asked for. I intend to own every single book you write... there will be zillions.....
That was so wonderful, I love reading your posts and this one brought tears to my eyes. I liked when you said "the better we know the poetry of our own self, the more we recognize that of the world beyond us". It is very true, I am currently on a journey of self discovery myself and feel that the more I accept and love myself,the world becomes a better place to be. Also the reference to knitting was lovely I do find poetry in knitting as well it is a repetitive and familiar motion and there is always love and joy in each moment I knit. Thank you for your post, have a good week!
ReplyDeleteLisa
Oh Lisa...
DeleteThank you Sweet One.
That journey of self discovery takes us a whole lifetime.
We really do need to be at home and at peace inside our own skin, so to speak, before we are comfortable with the world around us.
Knitting brings comfort on so many levels to us all I believe.
You have a very Blessed week,
Danette
I love that shawl and the yarn from Purl Soho is gorgeous all by itself. Thank you for sharing. You're so right!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much my Dear Friend!
DeleteYes I could just lay down and roll around in this yarn from Purl Soho. You have to feel it to believe it ....
Happy December!!!