SOL16: #18 Writing is like Praying
March 18, 2016 by margaretsmn
Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for March Slice of Life Challenge.
Poetry Friday round-up with Robyn Hood Black.
Writing is like praying, because you stop all other activities, descend into silence, and listen patiently to the depths of your soul, waiting for true words to come. When they do, you thank God because you know the words are a gift, and you write them down as honestly and cleanly as you can.
– Helen Prejean C.S.J.
Broken Pottery by Sweet Tea
Broken
shards of unwanted
clay, rock, soil
litter the ground.
There, unharmed, her hidden heart–
once protected by
earth mother, soft and dark,
now bravely
open like the flowers
in an abandoned field,
reaching for light.
–Margaret Simon
When you open yourself to the world, it will reveal itself to you. I opened two different emails. The first from Laura Shovan. She sent me the Sister Helen Prejean quote. A gift of a gift.
The second was Tabatha Yeatts’ blog post
here. This image of the broken pottery grabbed me, and I opened the note on my computer and composed this poem. I know it comes from my heart that aches for a child whose home is not as it should be. Yet she is exactly who she should be, open and kind and full of joy. This broken pot. Her full heart. My attention.
I have said that my writing is like my prayers and not everyone understands. You just explained more clearly than I’ve been able to. Thanks. Your poem is one of my favorites–so vivid, so chock full of importance in the lines and in the words.
Thank you, Melanie. Your comment means a lot. Poetry is a way to express our prayers.
I’m seeing layers of meaning in this poem, Margaret, especially of the children you teach who reaching for light, too.
I agree with Tara. So many layers. Beautiful.
A beautiful, rich poem.
Rich is right — that heartbreak still allows hope to stretch out green tendrils. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words (and heart), Margaret.
“a child whose home is not as it should be. Yet she is exactly who she should be” Your post and poem and attention made me teary, Margaret. Beautiful connections.
Your poem is just so lovely.
Hello, Margaret. Thank you so much for sharing the quote and your response poem. I think of Parker Palmer’s idea that it is the broken places in us that let the light in. The quote came to me via my good friend Beth O’Malley, who is pastor at Hood College, here in Maryland.
Poem By Jessica Bigi
Mending Broken Pieces
I pray for those
Curves of loving hands
That molded my
Clay being into cradles
For rich soil and the
Budding of May flowers
For those caring hand
To mend my broken pieces
And set me high upon a shelf
Far away from playful
Curves of Sinnamon paws
To cradle rich soil and the
Budding flowers of May
A poem response is always an honor, a gift to us both.
So beautiful, Margaret. So centered. So filled with love. Pretty sure I know who this student is. It’s not hard to imagine how grateful she must be to have you as an anchor.
The quote, photo, poem all are part of a very tranquil post today Margaret. I see that you yourself must be healing as well as your little learner. Peace be with you.
There is so much beauty in this post, Margaret. Isn’t amazing how sometimes we are graced with all the pieces falling perfectly into place? Your voice, added to Sister Prejean’s, and Tabatha’s photo, all “reaching for light.”
I kind of don’t want to say anything. Might I just take it in? I’d like to leave without a ripple.
Beautiful, as always. She is lucky to have your attention and you in her life.
I believe I love your words as much as the poem, Margaret. It is a beautiful and whole package, to us, from your heart. Thank you.
This poem, this slice is a prayer. I have read a fair number of your poems and this one is my favorite. So far. Thank you.
Your title GRABBED me!!! I love it! The quote from Sr. Helen Prejean is new to me. Sr. Helen is a hero of mine. I love every BIT of this post! Thank you for friend!!!!
Many of us who are lost as kids find our way back to ourselves through the written word and through the strength and bravery of others in writing down truth. Perhaps breaking is important to remaking.
Yes. Everything about this post AND all of the comments as well.
Very nice! I like the idea of “flowers in an abandoned field.”