Speaking of Spirit

Earlier this month, I received a gift from a friend from my hometown. The gift came from Ireland - a pottery tile with the Samuel Beckett quote, "All poetry is prayer."   Over the past few weeks, I have meditated on this quote. I have thought of the poems that I have written and the ones I have read. Surely, I thought, Beckett was seeing something I wasn't, because I have read poems that didn't appear prayerful at all. So, I delved into the meaning of prayer... ___________________ More to come tomorrow, I was called away to be with family, today.  Blessings to all! 

    (c) 2016 Mystic's Moon by Linda M. Rhinehart Neas The poet known as Rumi was a Sufi Mystic who lived in the 13th century.  His words have often brought me peace, understanding and joy.  These are but a few of the quotes that have touched my heart and soul over the years.  May the bless you, now. “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.  They’re in each other all along.” “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field.  I’ll meet you there.” “In your light I learn how to love.  In your beauty, how to make poems.  You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you,  but sometimes I do,  and that sight becomes this art.”

Over the last few days, I have been haunted by the images of refugees fleeing Syria.  As a mother and grandmother, my heart has once more been broken by the total horror of this world.  The little one found on the shore wasn't so much flotsam and jetsam.  He was someone's precious little boy, someone's blessed little grandson.   I am of the belief that all children are our children - whether we birth them or they live thousands of miles away - they are our children.  We, as a global community are responsible for them, as responsible as if they lived in our own homes.   I, like many of us out there, feel helpless in these situations. BUT, one thing I have learned - I cannot, will not stay silent .  I must raise my voice in prayer and protest when the horrors of war and injustice slither out from under the rocks in which they hide.  That being the case, this is my offering, humble as it is.  Perhaps it will reach those who have the...

  My father and I - 2007   A Daughter's Gratitude Dad, You weren’t around much when I was that little kid with the runny nose and the skinned knees. You didn’t tuck me into bed or, read me stories, or, play catch with me like some kids’ dads. But, as we grew older together, you became my buddy - my friend - the person I turned to when life got difficult, or if I had questions - You were always there for me. So, just in case I haven’t said it before or, often enough… Thanks! Thanks for being the best Dad you could be for me; it’s made a difference! __________________  Early Spring Walk © 2012 LMRN   My Grandchildren's Dad From the day,  you took my daughter’s hand  walking strong and confident beside her,  I wondered how you would meet  the challenges of fatherhood  As you held my grandchild in your arms  on that first glorious day of life  I knew the father you would be…...