The #MicroPoetry of the blog began as a creative practice in 2012. Using the confines of twitter’s 140 characters, this discipline has been a generative opportunity to use words to poetically muse. Starting in 2017, brief reflections became another way to explore the use of these verses as part prayer, thought, reflection, challenge or something in-between. I hope these monthly collections offer you space to be, reflect and consider how your own choices might help you and other #ShineOn.
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With each struggle
She holds us
Each tear
She weeps
Each joy
She laughs
In life’s unfolding
even though lost we may feel
with us She walks
Inspired by not being defined by struggles endured …
Reflection
Life is a funny thing. It carries woes and joy, burden and celebration. Yet often it is the weight we carry that distracts from the abundance around us. This is not to deny true struggle and oppression, marginalisation and pain, yet whether as advocates or those seeking sanctuary, there is one consistent message I believe the spiritual journey reveals: we are not alone. In this revelation, that which once seemed impossible or unattainable, becomes possible, even probable. Choices once stolen, become moments to restore, repair and resurrect …
When, in the midst of doubt and despair, have you recognised you were not alone?
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Shadows there are
Pollyanna denies not
Upon sun’s course
each choice be as leaf & grain
for Light feeds
That which we spy
is that we create
Inspired by ensuring the sun our face faces …
Reflection
Too often dreamers are diminished, and artists flattened in a way that silences innovation and creativity. I do not claim such challenge is not necessary, not in fact constructive. Yet, when the intention halts, as opposed to refines, I think worry and distrust should be present. This verse celebrates dreaming in the midst of the maturity to recognise the challenges it takes to translate aspiration into actuality.
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Within Joy lies
dependent not upon baubles
not what you buy nor given
That to which we commit
we see
Deep breath
what world shall we create?
Inspired by embracing joy as the catalyst in a context of ‘no’ …
Reflection
Joy – I am intrigued by the idea that joy is not just an emotion or sense of being.
What does it mean if it is a practice, a discipline?
What if it requires nurture and intention as a way in which to engage with ourselves and the world? This idea, therefore, informs the manner in which this poetic musing was shaped. If intention – a commitment to being joy – is required, what must we do in order to be able to see the world through lens?
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So others may shine
free we must be
Mentor
what you wish to see
do
how you wish to be treated
model
how we wish others to thrive
justice be
Inspired by being that which we wish to see in the world …
Reflection
How would you like to see the next day?
What might be happening that inspires you?
What sounds will excite you to help others see hope?
What do you have to do to see something different than what you see on newsfeeds and newscasts?
We may not be able to change the world, but it is possible to do so in the paradox of choosing to be that which you aspire to, as opposed to habits that limit us.
What can you change now to live into the blessing you are?
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Riches
define not community’s memory
Treasures
no vestige of who we were
Wisdom recalls
courage in oppression’s midst
choices integrity made
Inspired by the virtue of integrity …
Reflection
What do we value and where do we place our treasures?
If you wonder where your values lie, I have a friend who say follow where your money goes. From there, we can be offered a mirror that challenges our own story and narrative about that which we believe is important through the lens of where disperse the monies we have.
With this mirror in hand, I wonder where wisdom and courage meet?
This question allows us to not only recall what we value, but what we in turn support in justice’s aspiration.
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Toward justice
striving unto peace
solidarity in dignity’s advocacy
requires virtue many
Courage’s disciplined practice
hope bloom begins
Inspired by courage in the face of apathy …
Reflection
Justice is a word that is often loosely thrown around. Regardless of religious identity, political persuasion or secular commitments, it is a word that too easily becomes just another acquired commodity. A badge to be worn. A slogan to shout.
This verse explores that rather than being a thing, justice is a practice, a discipline. Whether we advocate for justice or walk in solidarity with those who do, it requires commitment and training, patience and intention. Otherwise, it is simply a value that becomes ambiguous when spoken and less likely to affect change when action is required.
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Centre may shift
horizon may heave
path may diverge
& dreams obscure may be
Yet we as Thee
I as Thou
wisdom community binds
so nimble we be
Inspired by able to ride gravy anchor free …
Reflection
I had dreams as a young person. They ranged from astronaut to writer, scholar to knight. They were dreams that helped me explore identity, but they have shifted with life’s unfolding. As the journey continues, it can become tempting to acquiesce aspirations for complacency. Stay in the boat you know, for wanting more might leave you in the water.
This poetic musing explores how hope and goals, as life unfolds, find resilience not when they are held just by one of us, but when shared collectively those once propelling aspirations find ways to truly imagine something that only collectively will be.
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To risk boldly
leave shore’s safe embrace
To dream wildly
step into precipice’s paradox
That to which we aspire
is born in tenacity’s forge
Inspired by risking the water’s shore for the horizon …
Reflection
We like what we like and when we find that, it can be difficult to let it go. What we like, however, does not mean it is good for us, taps our full potential, or even is what we want. But when we know something, whether through habit or complacency, we can easily come to believe we need it. We build walls, compose excuses and even vigorously defend it, even if (when we are honest) we know its not enough, inadequate or even soul-numbing.
When we are honest, what it takes to reach the horizon, realise imagination fulfilled, takes not only commitment, but stubbornness. A practice of tenacity, therefore, is that which this verse hopes to highlight and celebrate.
Your reflections are most welcome!