What a joy! Once again, I had the pleasure of listening to a wonderful array of poems read aloud by an intrepid group of poetry lovers who forsook green grass and balmy breezes on a lovely, shimmering summer’s eve to share a word feast with each other. Here is one poem about words that entranced me. It was softly read by a beautiful young woman who gave me a gift because I had never heard of the poet until I heard this:
talisman by Suheir Hammad
it is written
the act of writing is
holy words are
sacred and your breath
brings out the
god in them
i write these words
quickly repeat them
softly to myself
this talisman for you
fold this prayer
around your neck fortify
your back with these
whispers
may you walk ever
loved and in love
know the sun
for warmth the moon
for direction
may these words always
remind you your breath
is sacred words
bring out the god
in you
What lovely counter thoughts: “…words are /sacred and your breath /brings out the /god in them” and “…words/ bring out the god/ in you” — beautiful, don’t you think? To ponder the sacred, protective, fortifying, inspiriting power of words is always a blessing. Many thanks to poet and writing instructor Tara Moyle for bringing us together again. Write on!