RADIATE LOVE by Jamie Burgess

This poem was inspired by a line in one of Rumi's poems: "Tear off the mask. Your face is glorious."

It resonated with me deeply and so I had been pondering that idea; thinking about all the masks we wear to protect ourselves, to keep ourselves from having to be too vulnerable in the world. We basically walk through life playing a role, trading our authenticity for safety and approval. We all do it, to some extent. Yet in doing so, we also create distance between ourselves and others, even in the areas we don't want distance. It's a cushion from the things we are afraid of, yes, but it cushions us from all the beautiful things in life, too. We can't be truly seen with our masks on, and we can't fully see anyone else. The view is obscured. We cannot be fully loved and we cannot fully love anyone else. We are separated by these masks. We allow fear to divide us.

With these masks on, we can no longer even see ourselves. We get confused and begin to lose sight of our true identities. Fear starts to rule our hearts and our lives. We get comfortable hiding, opting to stay in the darkness as much as possible. It feels more secure. Yet, we forget that our nature is light...that we were born to shine brightly, to live wholly open-hearted, to breathe in and out freely; pure, unadulterated love basking in the glow of life. Humans. Being. When we get courageous enough to rip off the masks, to step out into the light, we see ourselves (and everyone else) as we truly are. Absolutely glorious!

"Arson" by Katarina Silva

Radiate Love

by Jamie Burgess

We are dimming our light

with these masks.

Tucked away,

so neatly.

Protected.

Hiding,

chasing ghosts and shadows

in the darkness.

Losing touch

with our power.

Burning Daylight.

It is time.

To lift our faces

to the sun,

to watch the fear

turn to dust,

to step into

the fullness

of who we are.

Divinity

wrapped in skin.

With courage in our pockets,

and our hearts on our sleeves,

allowing ourselves,

finally,

to be seen,

we laugh.

we dance.

we dream.

And then comes

the night,

so full of magic.

We feel

stardust

coursing through our

veins,

and starlight

seeping from our

pores.

We feel

every

single

cell.

Radiating.

"Being Light" by Katarina Silva

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!~

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...

Journey of the Heart

Search This Blog