Occasionally (and always unexpectedly)
there are found random gifts of perception,
small openings into the liminal spaces
where prayer becomes life, and life
is discovered as a prayer -
sheer moments lending light
to the understanding of great intangibilities
(not all that we are touched by
is palpable) .
- I walk alone, slowly,
gazing at small painted pictures
hung here and there upon the museum wall.
The local artist (no one of fame)
and I (no acclaimed critic)
are kindred spirits.
We seek no prominence, only each
(in our own related fashion)
are after a glimpse of the Mystical.
This is the extraordinary showing up in the ordinary.
This is a glance toward the enduring flow
between mortal and immortal.
This is the giving and receiving of vitality.
Today is my turn to receive.
I first see it at a vague distance, drawing me onward.
A few more steps and I stand in the nuance
of eternities glow, where
I feel overwhelmed, unworthy.
I stare mesmerized into a painted flower world,
I see love, looking back at me.
In this moment, the brokenness and turmoil
that so often is my life, becomes
completely dismantled.
I feel very unworthy, but
in Love's presence it does not matter;
and then, from somewhere in the room
- the painting, the flower, my heart? -
I hear Love's voice:
Let there be peace.
And for one incredible moment,
I glimpse the possible.
I find a living hope.
I find my place in the present.
I find peace within myself
that surpasses all understanding.
Fantastic poem, my friend. You belong with the greatest poets on this website. True stories are always the best.
I could never in a million words or a million tears express this ---this glimpse of eternity--that God bestowed on you. Oh, we try to express the inexpressible but you, dear man, succeeded.
Hey, Smoky! Yes, it's always unexpected, unforced—a gift, a grace, of clarity. And how much these moments mean! I think of the message from God to mystic Julian of Norwich while the Plague raged around her, All shall be well. And all shall be well. -Glen
Excellent! How did I miss this one earlier? Outstanding work to which I bestow five stars!
I am so happy that this is a true story ~~~to write such a poem demonstrates that God bends down and whispers into a man's good soul
another thing I enjoy about your writings is that awesome vocabulary of yours! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
I am going to put a copy of this poem into my Bible to read it often and well. You are a magnificent poet and a man with a great Godward heart and I am proud to know you
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Smoky I thought this is the most beautiful poem you've written