My fellow Inkling (writing group) poet-teacher Molly Hogan went on a fabulous trip to Croatia, Slovenia, and Ireland. She blessed me and all her Facebook friends with lots of amazing photos. I was compelled by this photo. It takes me back to my favorite musical of all time, The Sound of Music. It also reminds me of a kind monk I knew growing up. He was my father’s best friend. His Benedictine name was Brother Anselm. He was witty and wise and an incredible organist.
My poem is a narrative free verse. I wanted to tell a story. I have fond memories of visiting Bill (Brother Anselm) at his monastery in St. Benedict, Louisiana.
Consider writing with me today. Leave a small poem in the comments. Remember this is a drafting space, so kindly write encouraging responses to other writers.
Brother Anselm
Walking into the woods
surrounding the Abbey,
Brother Anselm and I spoke freely.
Our walk was a prayer.We talked of nothing in particular
as his brown robes swished and swayed,
a comforting blanket of humble access
to a stream of still water.He reminded me that the holy
is not always quiet. Our voices
echoed among the tall pines,
laughter shaking the ground.He told me that time was our friend.
Use it wisely and with intention.
Bless the forest with reverent presence
and God will grant you peace.Margaret Simon, draft
Reflections on the Teche 
What a wonderful photo–and your lines: “our walk was a prayer” and, “the holy/is not always quiet” just beautiful. This is the Margaret voice I love best.
I wish I had more confidence in this voice. It comes easily so I doubt it.
Lovely and profound poem Margaret, especially this line, “Use it wisely and with intention.” Such a gorgeous image, thanks for all, and thanks to Molly too!
LIFE CYCLE
find beauty
in the ordinary,
hold it close
breathe it in
momentarily
reflect…
Michelle Kogan, draft
I believe in finding beauty in the ordinary. I’m currently read John O’Donohue’s book on the subject. Beauty is what will keep us hopeful.
Thanks for the hope and O’Donohue’s book, I’ll look for it!
Michelle, what a great title. It makes one think even more about your powerful insights. It seems this priest is really breathing in the beauty. Lovely poem.
Michelle, I love your poem. I resonate with finding “beauty in the ordinary” and I love your advice to “breathe it in / momentarily / reflect…” Thank you for your inspiration.
Margaret, Brother Anselm sounds like a gem. I love these memories that surfaced when you saw Molly’s photo. I agree with Linda’s words about your voice. Such rich metaphors and beauty in your poem, like “a comforting blanket of humble access / to a stream of still water.” Here’s what I saw today:
Head bent in prayer
breaking bread
Communion
with his flock
I love the double meaning of “breaking bread with his flock.”
Margaret, this is just beautiful. I love “a comforting blanket of humble access/to a stream of still water” and also “holy/is not always quiet”. Such a powerful response to the photo!
Beautiful poem, Margaret. I made me think of this:
Zen Monk
New York City school lobby,
I am waiting for my students.
A visiting zen monk is visiting,
He is in the lobby walking in a circle.
There is not a sound
except the brush of his orange robes.
I watch him like I’m watching a living prayer,
He circles, he spreads colored sand on the floor
Creating an intricate mandala layer by layer
the colors come together,
swirl and complement each other.
I watch him and he looks up at me
for a brief moment and smiles,
I am inside a prayer with him
and I am at peace.
Thank you for making that memory transform into a poem.
Joanne, that is a beautiful memory that came alive for us in your poem. What an experience!
Joanne, I love how Molly’s photo and Margaret’s poem resonated with you into this beautiful and moving poem. Your memory comes alive in your poem. Lovely ending “I am inside a prayer with him / and I am at peace.”
Margaret, I love how Molly’s photo resonated with you in this “lovely and profound poem” (borrowed from Michelle) full of imagery. I especially love these lines:
“Our walk was a prayer.”
“a comforting blanket of humble access
to a stream of still water.”
…”the holy
is not always quiet. Our voices
echoed among the tall pines,
laughter shaking the ground.”
“time is our friend” and I love your ending.
[…] couple of weeks ago Margaret Simon, a gifted teacher, poet, and blogger, posted a photo of a monk in Croatia taken by fellow blogger, […]