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. 

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