A
I see myself, but not in a mirror nor through
a looking glass. Easier in water
I try and fail to walk upon,
its ripples ringing out
from where I fall.
Ah! There!
I need only
follow the spirals in
to their source where illusions break
apart for me to see myself, where God’s
witnesses take my hands, again, to help me stand.
Ω
Posting a poem from two years ago, part of a series
on the 12-Step Program of AA
Poets United Poetry Pantry #417
*Inspired by morning meditation with Fr. Richard Rohr: Step Four
Part of my series of poems called Oh, Ye of Little Faith*
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2016 Susan L. Chast
I love those helping hands at the end.
ReplyDeleteTo believe that you can stand again is perhaps the most significant thing for survival. It's almost spiritual to fall down for that cleansing and finding the true nature of self where illusions end. Such a heartfelt and thoughtful write, Susan. It's comforting in a way.
ReplyDelete-HA
I love the certainty of your words
ReplyDeleteA beautiful poem, Susan.
ReplyDeleteI am struck again by the hands of God's witnesses, helping you stand. How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYes, when we cannot stand on our own, it is wonderful when we can depend on help from others.
ReplyDeleteI like the positive closure of your poem.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly exquisite, Susan!💞 I love the abundance of wisdom that this poem offers to the reader and am in utter awe of how eloquently you explain how strength to endure and get back on our feet lies deep within us. A poem to hold close and grow into!💞
ReplyDeleteOh I do like God's witnesses (or saints?) helping you to stand. Excellent.
ReplyDeleteNot through reflection but through inner contemplation. This is trulu profound Susan
ReplyDeleteHappy you dropped by my blog today
Much🌻love
A well rendered and spiritually uplifting piece.
ReplyDeleteIn my head, I can see those hands... strong and steady, stretching towards the speaker, holding on and nudging forward. This is lovely, Susan. Like Wendy said, very uplifting.
ReplyDeleteI love how the words in this form reflect the reality of life and trust in God and perhaps that message spirals down to you. You exclaim: "Ah! There" and it spirals out again...hopefully touching others too.
ReplyDeletethe place where illusions break... yes I definitely want to find that place...even if it means walking on water..thanks for this Susan.
ReplyDeleteSo much of the Fourth Step is taking that finger we point at the world in accusation, then turning it slowly around to account our part of the the damage. That is truly walking on water for one so habited at failing to change or grow up. Our fear of accepting that we are at fault is truly tricky abyss, but thanks indeed for the witnesses who have been there, done the same, and reconciled. And grace is the serenity of waters finally stilled, so much so that we can commence walking! Now I'm curious to see how you sang along on the other steps.
ReplyDeleteThank you all! The link to the entire series is above in the post.
ReplyDeleteI like that you see yourself in water, I think it must be very symbolic? Water the life giving source.
ReplyDeletei like the form of the poem, it does look like a ripple beginning from the middle of the poem.
ReplyDeletei guess we certainly need those helping hands.