Trying Something New: Poetry Challenge (Day 1)

I've been reading through a great book, Integral Life Practice by writers from the Integral Institute, which aims at equipping readers with insights and tools that they can use in order to live more integrally.  In order to develop as broad of a perspective as one can Integral Life Practice suggests various activities which are aimed to cultivate more awareness and creativity.

One such practice that is suggested is for the practitioner to engage in is creative writing. I love to write but I wouldn't say I necessarily find my writing within the category of "creative writing". In my view, creative writing is reserved for works of fiction and poetry, essential components of culture's bright and diverse tapestry. I dabble in poetry every so often but I would not call myself a poet. You can find some of my poems here: http://ascendingthehills.blogspot.com/p/my-poetry.html

When fellow blogger Sweepy Jean posted an article inviting all bloggers in our mutual group to participate in a poetry challenge in which participants are to write daily on a given theme during the entire month of March,  I felt compelled to at least try it out. I figured it might be the best way to try to get into the habit of engaging in creative writing. I'm not sure if I will be posting it on my main page or move the poems to a separate page. I guess I'll see how things progress.

So, here's my first poem! As a disclaimer I received the theme this morning and wrote it while refereeing both my kids as they squabbled over which tv shows to watch! This is the beauty of the challenge I think. To discipline oneself to write daily no matter what life throws at you. Also, I think it is a humbling endeavor as well due to the limited time one has to write and also the fact that the themes are given. One is provoked to post work that might not yet be to one's standards. What a great way to overcome our egos! My approach is to take the theme and see where it takes me...Hope you enjoy!

The theme today was: Carpe Diem





A Moment's Epiphany

He heaves and shudders, twists and turns,

Muscles ripple across fleshy canvas

shimmering light conceived

from a star 93 million miles away.

Heaps of granite and stone

standing long before his first breath

and which will remain long after his last,

Taunt his senses, beckoning him to ascend

and become one, tasting the sky.

Hands probe and seek

every intimate groove and crevice,

Body contracting in agony, he lifts himself higher.

Past and future dissipate as the north blows 

her strong breath across time and space. 

Goosebumps emerge though sweat pours out.

Without warning meaning manifests as sense and spirit

consummate. A radiant luminosity breaks through

consciousness; infinity within weds the 

stony bride of indifference his body clings to. 

Alive, fully alive and aware of every pebble falling,

His breath uneven and heavy, the cloud that just moved across

the heavens blocking the sun, coveting it from all others.

His soul cries out to him like some long lost

prophet: Take hold of each moment with passion
For between heartbeats is a window in which the soul sees God.

 
Thoughts? I'd love to hear them! If you are participating in the challenge feel free to post your link in the comments section! Thanks everyone!