The Icon

The Icon

Some pray

focusing on the outward appearance

of the Beloved,

a symbol used by the mind,

a focal point for meditation and communication

with the Creator.

Setting on a table,

on an alter,

in the niche of a stone wall

is a statue,

an icon,

an emblem representing God.

The sacred to one person,

is an idol to another,

and to others it is art.

Art created

because someone loved

the Divine Essence

through one of a million names

and attributes.

NOTE: I wrote this poem in response to a prompt from one of my writing groups.

What Time of Day Am I? I Am Midnight

You Are Midnight

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

What Time Of Day Are You?

The Last Good Book

What was the last good book I read? First, let us define “good book”. What is it I mean by “good book”, when my grandmother spoke of “the good book” she meant the Bible. However, I am not a Christian, so when I refer to “the good book” I am not necessarily speaking of the Holy Bible. I could be talking about the Book of Certitude, the Holy Qur’an, the Avesta or any one of the sacred books of humanity.

Besides referring to a sacred book, good book could refer to an exciting novel, a book of poetry, a collection of short stories, a self-help book, or intriguing essays. When it comes to poetry, I enjoy reading a variety of style, forms and subjects. My favorite type of poetry is mystic poetry; I have read many interesting spiritual poems by numerous authors and mystics. On the other hand, my favorite type of novels and stories are science fiction and fantasy. This brings me to essays, I do not have a favorite type of essay, I do not have a favorite type of essay. The essays I enjoy reading cover a multitude of subjects from science to self-help and mysticism.

So what was the last good book I read? I have not read the “last good book” there are high-quality books being published all the time. My personal definition of “good book” would be one that inspired, gave me something to think about and fed my muse.

(3 Jalal 162 B.E.)

Feast of Glory

Feast of Glory

Cinnamon scented candle

lights the path to love;

music reverberates through

an open door.

I inhale the scent of faith

listen to the children pray.

The Lords Supper,

a three course meal now:

spiritual portion,

business portion,

social portion.

Feel the presence of Baha’u’llah,

‘Abdu’l-Baha,

and the Bab

all in the same building;

Go’s love over flows

feeds the hunger multitude

and sates humanity’s thirst.

(1 Jalal 163 B.E.)

To the Beloved

You have given me a world changing purpose,

delicious thoughts of unity,

a new vision of religion and humanity.

Through Your scriptures

personal salvation becomes

a minor footnote in history

when compared to the salvation

of the planet itself.

I sit in meditation

intoning Your name into the morning air

and tranquility is my reward.

I rise from my contemplation

taking with me the memory of Your presence,

the joy of the Holy Spirit

and service to the human race

is no longer a choice between self and other:

candle’s sacrifice

becomes a light on the path

of oneness.

(15 Baha 16e B.E.)

A Contest

Life isn’t a contest that is won

by those who have the most toys when their done,

it is the soul that caries us along

the road and guides us through the throng

that crowds around the windows of tomorrow

looking at the products of matters sorrow.

(15 Baha 163 B.E.)