Ode to a Rock
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[Note from the Proprietor: This post marks the first of an as-yet unknown number of articles I'll be sharing with you, based upon thoughts, meditations and observations made during our recent retreat at Laity Lodge.
Also, it represents something of a radical experiment for me, since it's, you know, poetry.
After all, I'm not really much of a poet. At least, I never thought of myself as one. As always, though, you may judge for yourselves. All I ask is, please... be gentle.
By the way, a hat tip to Marcus Goodyear (the only actual poet I've ever personally met) for the inspiration to make the attempt.]
Ode to a Rock
My place in life chafes at me.
Trapped in this rock
Like a prison.
Unforgiving walls;
Straining, uselessly,
Against unyielding boundaries.
Intense heat, unbearable;
Numbing cold, unmerciful;
Capricious winds, unsettling.
Alas, sweet freedom;
I’ll never know what it’s like!
My joy is full since you came.
The place prepared for you
Contains the finest soil
And nourishing water of life.
In Me, security is assured.
Though you may yet experience
Heat, or
Cold, or
Wind,
Your core, your essence -
That which is you -
In Me, forever, is safe.
Though understanding fails
Why here is best -
You can trust Me:
I Am.
I promise you this:
You shall not easily be moved.
On the other hand…
What needs remain unmet?
My place, protected; my sustenance, assured.
Though wind, or heat, or even cold may strike,
Nevertheless, I am secure.
I shall remain
Where I am planted,
Because this one thing I know:
In this place,
I shall not easily be moved.
Here is my Rock.
(Photo credit: Rocky Home, by Robert Hruzek)
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12 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Hey, Robert, I like it very much. It’s simple, but reading it definitely sparked some strong spiritual thoughts about my relationship with God.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..What I Learned From Mother Robin
Thanks, Brad. I was going for a sortof “layered meanings” thing.
Hey, maybe next time I’ll try rhyming. Or, maybe not.
Robert,I am not a reader of poetry, but I very much liked your poem. It made me think about our need to have security - do I want to be like a rock? Or can security also mean stagnancy? Do I like to be a branch which sways to the wind?Thanks for sharing it!Ulla
Robert,sorry I am an idiot - just noticed that I entered a totally wrong url with my last comment! Throwing ashes on my head,Ulla
Ullas last blog post..Monastery from the Inside
Thank you, Ulla! I do appreciate the kind words and encouragement.
“… can security also mean stagnacy?” - Interesting question!
What about it, Readers? Care to respond to that one?
Robert, you should write poetry more often. One of the beautiful things about poetry is the unique rhythm, and yours undulated like a bubbling brook. I espeically love the layered meanings I AM (yes He is!) and The Rock. You are masterful at poetry and I look forward to more in the future. This was truly divine.
Karen Swims last blog post..A Divine Slap on the Head
Thanks, Karen; I appreciate the descriptive comments. Although I’ve never tried serious poetry before (it’s mostly been silly stuff before this), apparently there must be something here I’m going to have to explore more fully.
Robert,
This is beautiful. Karen described it wonderfully.
I’m more poetry teacher than actual poet–but I like your opening three lines a lot:My place in life chafes at me. / Trapped in this rock / Like a prison.I hope Laity Lodge helped you feel a bit more free–or at least a bit more content with the prison. By the way, the sentiment here reminded me of an old favorite from George Herbert called The Collar: http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/herbert/collar.htm
Mark Goodyears last blog post..How To Survive a Road Trip to Lubbock with 2 Small Kids
@Lillie - Sorry I missed your comment earlier - WP has been acting up lately. (Note how I deftly blame some OTHER thing!)
Thank you so much for saying so!
@Mark - Glad you liked it, Marcus. However, in no way was Laity Lodge like that!
You’re right; it does sorta sound like George Herbert’s poem.
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