SHE WHO DWELLS WITHIN by Brigid Clare Oak

 Sometimes it is the courageous voice of another woman;

…another poet, that inspires me to open once again, to respond to the call of the voice of the woman; the poet, who is my own soul. Such is the case today, and I am thankful.

     It can be a harrowing thing to encounter the truth and power abiding in one's own being, especially for a woman who has taken on board many external messages which seek to silence that truth and diminish, or even altogether destroy that power. But if courage can be gathered to touch that Sacred Space; to dare speak the Name which bears the Deepest Voice of Soul, then She Who Dwells Within may grant us true peace and rest, as She carries us through every fear and trial until we become Her; the Fullness of Ourselves. 

She Who Dwells Within

by Brigid Clare Oak 

I spoke Her Name

aloud today;

the Old One inside,

Who, even now, is

Where I Am Going.

And in my speaking,

Strength rose up,

Grace poured down,

Wisdom wrapped round

about; a Sacred Mantle.

Lovingly, She

in me spoke in turn,

“You’ve much to learn

and to discern along the Path

to this Place I hold for you,

but do not fear for I

have cleared the Way.”

It’s a comfort,

how She knows me

and shows me how

to see myself aright.

It’s a blessing

how She loves me

through all my false starts

and cradles my heart;

patient and tender

as a Nursing Mother

Whose little one

can’t quite seem to latch on.

I spoke Her Name

aloud today;

the Old One

Who kindles my flames

and pulls my tides,

Who stands my ground

and teaches me to fly.

Keeper of my Inner Elements.

And in my speaking,

I saw through Her

Old Eyes,

Looking back

and forward all at once,

This Moment of Grace~

The Holy Place,

Where I rest

and She begins to rise.

(Find more of Brigid's poetry in our new book here) 

Brigid Clare Oak lives a quiet life of poetry, prayer, and presence. She is a liturgist, vocalist, and composer of spiritual songs, and works also in the field of elder care and companioning. Brigid is mother to three beloved children; two grown sons and a teenage daughter. Together they enjoy copious amounts of tea, laughter, and love. 

~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!~