Thursday, August 11, 2022

The Beloved Circle (poem)

 The Beloved Circle

(A Poem In 2 Parts)


For Jenn

 

Part 1: Food For The People


Breathe in – Breathe out –

A warm wind blows –

A warm wind breathes through us all –

A warm wind carries us out into the world –

 

The wind of the world carries far over deep waters –

The wind of the world gathers the waters from deep, bottomless seas –

It calls forth faith.


The breath of earth’s creation flows over the earth –

The breath of earths’ creation carries hidden seeds as it spreads over the lands –

The breath of earth’s creation carries the sweetness of the flower within – 

    so ready to bloom in its path –

It summons hope.


The breath of the lands and the wind of the waters seek one another as they travel and do their work –

The breath of the lands and the wind of the waters greet and join hands – they dance –

They show how to love.


The breath and the wind move together over the lands –

The breath and the wind spread a dew that covers the lands –

They show their joy.


The breath and the wind bring forth the grasses and trees and flowers, 

    alive, springing forth in fullness –

The breath and the wind greet and join making the shape of all peoples –

    the people step onto the land –

The breath and the wind finish their work and rise into the calm of the sky –

The dew lifts and transforms its fullness into manna –

Manna for the people.


From the people, someone – just one of many – is there walking on the grass –

From the people, someone – just one of many – sees the manna, bends and gathers it for the people –

Someone – just one of many – is named Jenn.

She turns to the people with what she has found and speaks, clear for all to hear –

“Hey! Manna! Cool. I think it’s pretty deep. Pretty sure on that. Hey beloved, want some?”

The people are nourished.

The people laugh and are glad.

 

Part 2: Tell Me Who Is Beloved

Beloved?
Tell me, who is beloved?
Who is in?
Who is in the circle?
Who is worthy of love?
Who is worthy?
The ancient word. Beloved.
The ancient word. Friend.
The ancient word, to the root. Free.

Who is in the same clan?
Who is worthy of love?
Who is in the circle?
Who is worthy of freedom?
Who is beloved?
You are. You are. You are.

No one may be kept out.
Draw the circle wide.
Draw the circle to the horizon and the open sky.
No one may be kept out.
Open the door to all.
The door is open.
All may enter freely and be at ease.

Who is in the same clan?
Who is in?
Who is in the circle?
Who is worthy of freedom?
Who is worthy?
Who is worthy of love?
Who is beloved?
You are. You are. You are.

The ancient word.
Free.
Friend.
Beloved.

by Mark Bohrer, for Jenn
8/10/2022