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Invitation to Poetry: Give Me a Word 2013

Welcome to the Abbey’s 64th Poetry Party!

We are making a little departure this month from our usual format where I select an image for you to illuminate with your words.

This month the invitation is to write a poem inspired by your word for the year (and even though that drawing is over, you are still welcome to post your word there – and if you already shared a poem there, please share it again here to have them all gathered together).

I will suggest you make it an acrostic poem which is where each letter of your word forms the first letter of a line of your poem, but all poetic forms are most welcome here.  Consider writing a blessing for the year ahead inspired by your word.

Scroll down and add it in the comments section below to share it with the Abbey community. Feel free to take your poem in any direction and then post the invitation on your blog (if you have one), Facebook, or Twitter, and encourage others to come join the party!

On Friday, February 1st I will draw a name at random to win a space in the upcoming online Lenten retreat with St. Hildegard of Bingen.

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Monk in the World Guest Post: Michael Moore

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Wisdom Council member Michael Moore’s reflection on Sabbath and Silence. I am thankful to Christine and the Abbey community for this opportunity

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199 Responses

  1. HEAL

    May you be present to hear the whisperings of your soul;
    Encouraged and empowered to continue on your journey of awakening,
    Accepting what is, and lovingly letting go.

  2. Steady

    Stay centred in your
    true self, and
    even when you are un-settled
    always return and
    dare to believe in
    your-self

  3. My word is create.

    Cherishing the Sacred around me,
    revelation of the Holy through my life.
    Enlivening my
    artisan hands to craft and
    tend
    everyday Holiness.

  4. REST

    Return to Me
    Each day of your life,
    So that your
    True nature can shine forth into the world.

  5. CHANGE

    no more ‘should’ in my life
    guilt – no room here
    shame – not mine to carry
    time for the lights to change
    for me to move on through the intersection

  6. Death

    Deep,dark,I-eye spinning in the galaxy…
    Encompassing dying spirits in the Great Beyond…
    Anna & Anna my New Year is you…
    Thankful for your friendship and care…
    Hallowing your memory – a speck of stardust
    dazzling the night

  7. ABUNDANCE
    A -Abounding
    B -Beauty
    U -Uncovered
    N -Now
    D -Dances
    A -Around
    N -New
    C -Choices
    E -Everyday

  8. What gorgeous work others have written and shared.

    EXPANSE

    Expansiveness
    Xtra gentleness and gentling
    Possibility in life, human creativity, and our vast world
    Ancestors’ abiding gifts and strength
    Nuance and perspective
    Silence, and sounds of God’s invisible mesh
    Expanded view, expanding of lungs in breath, expansion of love and presence