A HOUSE by Ana Lisa de Jong

 

A HOUSE

- A poem for the stressed

I want you to be a house,

with a steep roof off which the rain can run.

I want you to have windows draft proof

to shield against the elements,

and doors with good locks

and solid frontages.

I want you to have curtains and insulation,

a fireplace, a warm soft bed.

I want you to have mornings when the sun rises in full view of your front window,

that you might stand and worship.

And evenings, that the only lights are the stars and the moon.

That the dark peace of stopping

and resting may make of your house

a haven of respite, a place to retreat.

Yes, I want you to be a whole house stocked

that you don't need anything.

And that the centre of everything may

draw you into safety, security.

I want for you peace,

that the house of your soul

would serve as the battlements

against the stress that weakens,

causing you to doubt yourself.

To curl in tight for protection.

And yes, I want you to look in my eyes

and see how you are loved.

How everything starts with how

you perceive yourself,

and finishes with how you receive

the gift of another's bare heart.

Love, after all, bringing it's own medicine,

and the life to light up a house.

 Ana Lisa de Jong a poet and inspirational writer, mother and wife, and Chaplains Administrator for the New Zealand Defense Force. (Not always in that order) Ana Lisa rediscovered the joy of writing in her 40's, her first published piece appearing in 'Refresh Journal of Contemplative Spirituality'. Ana Lisa has published seven inspirational poetry books in the span of seven years, with Lang Book Publishing. With a family and day job, Ana Lisa doesn't submit her work widely, preferring to spend her free time writing, but is an occasional contributor to Godspace and continues to have her work published in 'Refresh Journal of Conteplatice Spirituality'. Ana Lisa lives and writes in the beautiful North West Region of Auckland, New Zealand. To order copies of her poetry books click here. Ana Lisa also gives away complementary PDF copies of her poetry collections on various themes. If interested, please contact her via Facebook here or her website.

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