Poem · Poetry

The Gift of Understanding

I had a desire,

a prayer, really –

of how it should go.

My doubting heart considered it wishful thinking.

But the courage within won 

and I expressed it, anyway –

not caring if I looked,

or sounded, foolish.

And then,

when the moment arrived,

my prayer was answered,

            just like that, 

exactly as imagined.

It seemed an effortless occurrence

and had the quality of

           of course this is how it should go…

I was blown away, warmed up, lit up, and loved –

completely – and all at once

in that moment.

This is what a sudden dawning feels like.

I wondered at how

it wasn’t even a formal prayer –

with head bowed low,

spoken in desperation or

pious humility.

But I did speak it from my heart

and out loud

               to You –

and I shared it with others.

It must have counted…

because it was realized.

I know now,

ever more deeply, that

You are here,

with me,

and in this life of mine.

And when I look back,

I see your traces –

your hand,

your heart,

molding, leading, comforting,

ever more clearly.

I am like a baby playing peek-a-boo…

the joy of discovery

brings me intense happiness.

You are here.

I can see you!

Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2018

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Poem · Poetry

True Nourishment

We mean well.

We want to do the right thing,

for our health –

in this body.

We research,

we ponder,

we constantly switch gears…

             our poor, confused pantry.

Our mind spins along with the

grocery list.

How do we feed this body,

this temple,

this home?

Does the flower question the sun?

Does the tree even think about the soil?

No, they just bloom and grow,

guided in the ways to stretch.

Does the hungry child refuse the rice bowl –

freely given?

Food is food.

Perhaps it is time 

for a big serving of gratitude…

and instead of seeking answers

outside ourselves,

to look inward,

and trust the wisdom within.

Our bodies know

what nourishes best.

Listen –

                and let go of the struggle.

In this way,

your world can open into

a beautiful freedom –

and lasting health

can be born.

Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2018

Poem · Poetry

Signal Lights

With the guiding of inspiration,

they come through me,

pointing the way.

Their clarity can be piercing –

sharp and brilliant,

beacons through my

self-created fog.

I wonder at how

they show up-

just when I need them the most.

They are like friends who

know when a smile or a hug

is needed.

And, in the same way,

they are cherished, unconditionally.

This is what my poems mean for me.

I help create them, but

do not quite live them yet.

They love me still.

Funny, how words create worlds…

the beyond is brought forth

in the same way

a kiss presents affection.

Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2018

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Poem · Poetry

This is It

The cat purring in my lap

while the birds sing their morning song…

My heartbeat,

strong and regular,

sending the vibration of vitality everywhere –

to my very fingertips and toes,

opening my eyes,

and lighting up my taste buds.

It travels past

all the aches and pains,

those spots that distract and annoy.

The pain cannot stop its movement,

but is touched by its energy –

kissed by the whispers of hope.

               One day you won’t need this pain…

The promise of a new day

is the reliable reboot given every morning.

Perhaps this is the day

I will finally see,

not only with my eyes,

but with my whole being,

that

                 this is it.

No more will I wait

for my turn,

holding back and waiting

for that perfect moment

                that never comes.

Life is here now,

and ever so fleeting.

It passes before me,

it beats within me,

it connects me 

to all that matters.

Life lives on through me

even when I am pressing the brakes.

It moves forward,

with or without me.

This is it –

the blessings are here.

Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2018

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Poem · Poetry

Beyond Chasing Tail

Round and round we go,

looping and repeating,

distracted with ourselves –

chasing tail.

Transformation comes only

when we lose interest

in this game –

when it finally dawns on us

how much time,

and how much energy

is lost

               in the constant spinning.

It is the miracle 

of the pause

which lifts us up

and out –

and helps us connect

to what is real and true.

We discover the wonder of rest, and

in the birth of this realization, 

we learn to drop the chase.

We are finally free.

Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2018

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