WHAT DO I KNOW OF HOLY by Jennifer Zechlin

What Do I Know of Holy?
by Jennifer Zechlin

What do I know of Holy?

I know that Holy Ground is found
beneath the rocks used as pillows
under the heads of desert dreamers.
I know that Holy are ancient Infants
born in menagerie filled stables
and crumbling Kotel crevices
filled with dust and prayers.
Holy blinds atop mountain peaks
and swirls in Jordan waters,
this I know of Holy.

But, I also know that Holy
is found in the bonfire's flames
and the banshee's wailing cries.
Holy are mantras and mandalas
and thousands of tiny lamps
floating down the Ganges.
I know that Holy still speaks mystery
through the silence of standing stones
and breathes with the new bleats of lambs
gambolling on Spring's verdant hills.
Holy is Kashrut and Halal alike,
but also in the pink-iced birthday cakes
of every little girl.
Holy is feasting and fasting,
and standing in lines at soup kitchens
and grocery stores.
Holy is heard in scripture and poetry,
liturgy and laments,
rock ballads and drumming circles.
Holy communities can be found within walls
and without walls,
and pilgrimages can walk me in Holy steps -
around the world or just out my door.

What do I know of Holy?
I know that Holy clings and drips
like Spanish Moss hanging from Holy Oaks;
it permeates like London's late-Autumn rains.
I know that Holy can be felt
in the kiss of a friend -
even if his name was Judas,
and I know that coffee shared between two
can be an early morning sacrament in
consecrated purple mugs.
Holy is seen in Sister Moon's mercies
and Brother Sun's Grace.

Yes, this I know of Holy -
That it is everywhere
in all moments
in me
in you
in us
in them.
This I know of Holy -
I know that Holy can not be escaped from,
I know that Holy is Love.
I know that Holy is the sound of salvation
that calls to me from the Heart of All There Is,
Saving me from my ordinary self.

What do I know of Holy,
except
That I don't know enough?

Jennifer Zechlin: I am an amateur poet, forever student, lover of life, and professional dreamer and thinker. I am currently splitting time between Mississippi USA and Somerset England. In Mississippi, I share space with a silky black cat, and in England blessed with a fiancé and soon-to-be-step-dog. (I have yet to break the news to the cat!) Professionally, I work as an ordained minister and chairperson of Christian education for a small inclusive church. After becoming certified a couple of years ago, I also teach chair and modified yoga to those with mobility challenges in my home. I read far too many books, experiment with painting and drawing, and sing, badly and joyfully, in the middle of the night. I enjoy anything that connects me to Life itself, feeling strongly that everything is a bit interconnected and truly are producing, if only we can open ourselves to seeing the beauty in it all. More of my writing can be found here.

*For submission guidelines, click here.*

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