"Every poet I love tries to reach for enlightenment and fails. We will always fail. But it’s the trying, over and over again, that makes poetry into art." — ZACHARY FORREST Y SALAZAR, Poet of the Week
I think making art of any kind connects us inwardly to the center of our souls and is a spiritual activity. Our culture's inability to talk about spirituality except in terms of religion is limiting and part of the source of artists feeling like they dwell outside of ordinary reality. I appreciate Zachary's story and can relate to many aspects of it--especially laughing in the back seat of the car :D
This is so freakin' true, "Our culture's inability to talk about spirituality except in terms of religion is limiting and part of the source of artists feeling like they dwell outside of ordinary reality." I have felt this often but not been able to articulate it so well.
Yes, absolutely. I resonate quite a bit with Zachary's response. I think it's how I respond to "pray without ceasing." I write poems. I talk to God. I had a pastor who once posited that the first human speech was poetry--bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh--that we go to poetry when moments are too big for prose. In a way, that's a kind of prayer, too then.
I loved this post and I absolutely resonate with poetry and prayer connections. I love to write short 5-line Cinquains. Not sure if you want examples of poetry - Here are a couple related to poetry and prayer:
Yes indeed! I've been taking a habit of writing during the amidah (a silent portion of prayer) in services. Usually, I take some time and mediate, but because my writing is my meditation, I thought I could combine them. The results have been amazing and have advanced my poetry.
Mary Oliver is a perfect example for the intersection of prayer and poetry, Laura. I urge you to look at some of Brian Doyle’s stuff, who admire Mary and was very good friends with her.
Joe, I accidentally removed this comment. I'm so sorry! I was trying to reply, but hit remove by mistake, aghhh. I really appreciated your comment and if it's possible for you, would love it if you reposted. But of course, no problem if you can't. And my sincere apologies again!
Okay found it! Here is Joe's original comment. "Prayer for me is intertwined with poetry. For me, poetry comes from prayer. It's letting go. It's faith in the next step, the next word. It's like wings for a bird. Yes, prayer is from the timelessness of a soul, and all the cosmos within bend toward far more than just the air, but toward all that is and was and forever shall be. It's the best of poetry when it's from that core, and without words, but an embrace. That's prayer."
I think making art of any kind connects us inwardly to the center of our souls and is a spiritual activity. Our culture's inability to talk about spirituality except in terms of religion is limiting and part of the source of artists feeling like they dwell outside of ordinary reality. I appreciate Zachary's story and can relate to many aspects of it--especially laughing in the back seat of the car :D
This is so freakin' true, "Our culture's inability to talk about spirituality except in terms of religion is limiting and part of the source of artists feeling like they dwell outside of ordinary reality." I have felt this often but not been able to articulate it so well.
Poetry is prayer
Yes!
Yes, absolutely. I resonate quite a bit with Zachary's response. I think it's how I respond to "pray without ceasing." I write poems. I talk to God. I had a pastor who once posited that the first human speech was poetry--bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh--that we go to poetry when moments are too big for prose. In a way, that's a kind of prayer, too then.
That's so beautiful what your pastor said. This'll stick me: "we go to poetry when moments are too big for prose."
Oh this is so beautiful! Certainly felt like a prayer!
Yes! Thank you Sanobar! :)
I loved this post and I absolutely resonate with poetry and prayer connections. I love to write short 5-line Cinquains. Not sure if you want examples of poetry - Here are a couple related to poetry and prayer:
Psalm 46:10 (Be still and know that I Am God)
Deepest
Stillness births the
Knowing of Almighty.
Breathing
Your rhythm. Still,
Silent, knowing. Letting
Go. Waiting, listening. Breathing
Presence.
Silence
Captures what I
Can’t control: others’ thoughts…
Even my own! Not even breath
I own.
Tears stream
Down my face, for
Your sacrificial grace
Meets me…my shame, disgrace: Your grace
Replaced.
It is
Your whisper in
My stillness that assures
My soul of peace and well-being,
And strength.
Thank you so much for sharing this Beverley!
Yes indeed! I've been taking a habit of writing during the amidah (a silent portion of prayer) in services. Usually, I take some time and mediate, but because my writing is my meditation, I thought I could combine them. The results have been amazing and have advanced my poetry.
That’s wonderful, Ollie. I’ve found silence fasts to be exceptionally productive for writing.
When I read Mary Oliver's poems I feel the connection between poems and prayer. They light my spirit and bring me joy.
Mary Oliver is a perfect example for the intersection of prayer and poetry, Laura. I urge you to look at some of Brian Doyle’s stuff, who admire Mary and was very good friends with her.
Poetry posits a plethora of prayers.
Haha indeed!
Joe, I accidentally removed this comment. I'm so sorry! I was trying to reply, but hit remove by mistake, aghhh. I really appreciated your comment and if it's possible for you, would love it if you reposted. But of course, no problem if you can't. And my sincere apologies again!
Okay found it! Here is Joe's original comment. "Prayer for me is intertwined with poetry. For me, poetry comes from prayer. It's letting go. It's faith in the next step, the next word. It's like wings for a bird. Yes, prayer is from the timelessness of a soul, and all the cosmos within bend toward far more than just the air, but toward all that is and was and forever shall be. It's the best of poetry when it's from that core, and without words, but an embrace. That's prayer."