LUZ MARIA by Salyna Gracie

 As we move through our daily lives we are sometimes given a glimpse into the divine in the most unlikely places…

If we are paying attention, every person we meet is a holy encounter with the Beloved. Humble angels come to us clothed as ordinary people with extraordinary blessings.

This poem is inspired by one such encounter, and the deep sense of gratitude that results from experiencing grace.

Artistic Collage 'Luz Maria' (2012) by the author Salyna Gracie

Luz Maria



In this isolated never-land


Pinned between mountain peak 


And river-bend


A humble angel of mercy


Walks quietly into these woods



Without need of gleaming armor


Or celestial horn


Sacred vestments of soft cotton


And comfortable shoes


Wings unfurled to a warm embrace



She is the light of compassion


Illuminating dark secrets,


Hidden maps and swallowed keys



She is the hand of kindness


Holding the broken heart in her palm


Wiping the tear from crying eye



Each meeting a holy encounter


Even as the last sand grain


Drops to the bottom


Of the two-hour glass


The love flows on


The love always flows on



~

Artwork by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman 

Photography by Yuko Ishii 

Salyna Gracie is the director of Red Lotus Dance Company. She performs and teaches Middle Eastern Dance and facilitates the Red Lotus SEEDs program which mentors teen girls through dance at her studio in a small rural town in Washington state. Salyna’s dancing reflects a commitment to personal growth by internalizing rhythms and expressing emotion through the body – dancing from the heart. Poetry and visual art continue the conversation of dance with words and images that dance on the page. You may contact her through her website 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!~