Skip to main content

HOUSES OF THE HOLY by Jamie Burgess

This poem was the result of a writing prompt…

The week this poem was created, I had joined an online writing group in hopes of learning to be more vulnerable with my art, becoming a bit more courageous in sharing it. It was such a beautiful group of ladies! 

They held space for everyone in such a way that we all felt safe and loved. It was the opportunity I needed to really open up and allow myself to be seen. It was truly a life-changer. I am so grateful for the experience, and this poem was a huge part of that.

Houses of the Holy
by Jamie Burgess


I have birthed
ecstasy
and
new life
from the darkness
between my hips.
I have nurtured
tiny, beautiful humans
with these bones
housed
within.
They carry my weight,
as well as my burdens,
quietly absorbing
all of my secrets.
They have danced me up
out of the ashes,
supported
my every move,
and breath,
and dream.
Strength
and sinew,
they have proven
their ability to
endure.
They have
whispered
to me
from the moment
of their
creation,
heavily steeped
in magic
and power
and divinity.
God- breathed.
The author's daughter as photographed by Shellene Cannon


Jamie Burgess is a wild, creative, adventurous heart. She is a mama, writer, doula, tree hugger, star gazer, devourer of books, adorer of music, and photographer-in-the-making.  Her heart’s desire is to encourage and inspire others with her art and life. She is committed to living with courage, daily, and following her heart, always. You can connect with her on both Facebook here and Instagram here.




~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

Comments

  1. Brilliant words that color in the exquisite story of birthing,
    bringing baby and mama into this world, together.
    Thank you for sharing such a potent poem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Erin, for your kind words.

      Delete
  2. This is so beautiful <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jamie this touched me deeply ... on several levels, all beautiful!! The first lines drew me right in ... <3

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IMAGINE A WOMAN by Patricia Lynn Reilly

  This poem invites you to look upon yourself with loving kindness… Gazing at your own true reflection, you will discover that everything you have longed for “out there” is already within you! I invite you to love your creativity fiercely. Faithfully plant seeds, allowing under-the-ground dormant seasons, nurturing your creative garden with love and gratitude. In the fullness of time, the green growing things thrust forth from the ground. It's a faithful, trustworthy process. AND it takes time and patience.  Blessed is the fruit of your creative womb! I invite you to trust your vision of the world and express it. With wonder and delight, paint a picture, create a dance, write a book, and make up a song. To give expression to your creative impulses is as natural as your breathing. Create in your own language, imagery, and movement. Follow no script. Do not be limited by the customary way things have been expressed. Your creative intuition is original. Ga...

IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT by Ginny Brannan

 Just take a moment to pause... When life becomes rote, and frustration grows from being immersed in the same routine—different day, sometimes we need to remind ourselves that peace is still there—within our grasp— if we just take a moment to pause and enjoy the stillness and beauty around us. In the Stillness of the Night  by Ginny Brannan Late winter’s eve and all is still the lawn lies bathed in silver light— gray shadows race across the yard and climb atop the windowsill to draw my gaze upon the sight. I stare out to the moonlit night, across the deck and wooded path fresh–painted by new fallen snow. The scene infuses with delight; this gift inside storm’s aftermath. Half–buried now, the old birdbath lies shadowed deep in indigo— it waits on promise of the spring when arctic chill has finally passed and snow gives way to new green grass. With gratitude, I hedge to go; tranquility allays my soul… I turn ...

STILL I RISE by Maya Angelou

Six years ago, I had the privilege of listening to Maya Angelou speak live on the value of poetry at the University of Florida. I share these reflections with you again today, in honor of her birthday.  I was relieved to get one of the last seats available for this rare event, having arrived at five for Maya Angelou ’s free speech at eight. The historically long line began with people settled into beach chairs in winter coats busying themselves on tablets, or eating sandwiches for dinner. As helicopters hovered above and newscasters below, I felt the excitement of realizing that thousands of people were gathering together to hear an eighty four year old black woman recite her poetry! Maya Angelou speaking at University of Florida on Feb. 27, 2013  When the curtain rose -after an overflow of hundreds were sent away- we lucky ones on the inside greeted Maya with a standing ovation, as she smiled sweetly, beginning her talk using metaphors from nature. Maya asked...