Poetry
Passion Flower
I drink the nectar
of the passion flower
and toss the bright red petals
into the clear rocky stream
my hands touch the earth
find one smooth
round stone
waterfalls dance
to the ocean.
A Quiet Balance
all of my life
I have been
wishing for this star
a natural sense
within me
searching for the way
some bright light
yet not too bright
a soft and gentle breeze
yet the wind not too strong
a balance
between two extremes
finding my place
sharing that place of knowing
finding that purpose
searching with others
giving voice
to the quiet
voice within
through intuition
the magical harmony
repeats itself
until I no longer
hear the discord
a quiet balance emerges
against all odds
I can share
who I am,
against all odds
a quiet balance emerges,
quiet remembrance.
Springtime Never Sleeps
springtime
never sleeps
it lingers
dormant
in our imagination
until the next
rebirth of new
commands our view
giving us
a glimpse
of our own
ongoing possibilities
forever emerging
like a glimmer
of sweetness
and renewal
secretly lingering
all year
within the dark
midnight of sacred hibernation.
Tinto*
(Fire of Change)
in the fire of change
I find my lost colors
smoke of azure and rose
twisting into light blue
destiny of sky
where are you
if not in this fire
where are you
if not in this sun?
fragile and light
fragile yet strong
you sleep within these colors
you live within this sun
along borders of fragrant passage
you face the sun
you face the fire
the tree turns to ash
its limbs only a reminder
of the future creation
tinted in rose
painted in blue
in the fire of change
I see your light
in the final fire
a chant of repose
turning toward heaven.
*Tinto means dyeing colors in Spanish. In Mexico, I wrote this poem after building a fire in an outdoor fire pit, heating a large tub of water, and then putting the colored dye and white t-shirt into the water. This poem is about transformation; an outward activity becomes a symbol of the inner journey. That is one possible interpretation.
Breath Unfolds The Sky
Poem and Commentary by Sharonah Robinson
breath unfolds sky
this early morning
of my life
as I walk
safely to the market
for bread, olives and goat cheese
your presence,
a loving benediction.
Notes from the Glossary of The Unvarnished Gospels
(Translated from the original Greek by Andy Gaus)
“Spirit (pneuma). This word, which contains an audible puff of air, is the regular word for “breath,” and can even mean “wind,” as in John 3:8. The notion of spirit as breath and breath as spirit links Christianity to such other major world religions as Hinduism and Buddhism, and is reflected in modern English by expressions like “breathing life into an enterprise.”
In this translation, “breath” and “spirit” are both used freely as the context of each passage may suggest, but in Greek the two are always one.”
When I wrote the poem “Breath Lights the Sky” I did not know about the glossary notes from The Unvarnished Gospels.
Author’s Commentary on the poem, Breath Unfolds The Sky
The Holy Presence lets the poet feel safe. Perhaps there was a time she didn’t feel safe. On her walk or at the market, the poet is learning trust. She celebrates communion with her Creator in the act of being confident to walk and to shop in safety, enfolded in God’s loving benediction.
Despite any past or present fears of feeling unsafe, the poet’s faith in Spirit sustains her to move forward.
The poem hints at the vital connection between God’s presence, the Creator’s gifts of physical sustenance (provision of bread), emotional an spiritual sustenance (safety). These connections encourage the faith she has that sustains her to live in the world.
What I recall at the time I wrote the poem is that the new Food Co-op in my hometown had just opened. It was a change to go to a larger market, further from my home. I missed the smaller store. I had a major time of adjustment to the automatic sliding doors, with their unexpected noise and movement, the bright store lights, the longer walk, the larger shopping area. These are aspects of my life as an HSP (a highly sensitive person). However, some of my experience of this situation and the poem itself may be relevant to others as well.
Social marginalization, outsider status, being physically challenged, neuro-diversity…these are all ongoing or occasional factors in my life. In various ways, these are all aspects of life that may contribute to both a sense of differentness and also can be a blessing, a gift, an unexpected treasure.
I feel people may find significance in this poem, even when the factors I mention are not in their experience.
I have written several other poems related to the themes of spiritual presence, breath and earth. They are “Breath Lights the Sky” and “Earth Unfolds Sky.” I welcome your comments and inquiries.
Summer, 2011