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Poetry Friday: Another Mindful Poem




After another busy week, it feels like a good day for another mindful poem. This one, like the one I shared last month, is from the anthology, Poetry of Presence: An Anthology of Mindfulness Poems (edited by Phyllis Cole-Dai and Ruby R. Wilson). 

Mind Wanting More

by Holly J. Hughes

Only a beige slat of sun

above the horizon, like a shade

pulled not quite down. Otherwise,

clouds. Sea rippled here and

there. Birds reluctant to fly.

The mind wants a shaft of sun to

stir the grey porridge of clouds, ...


You can read the rest of the poem here. 

This is one of my go-to poems when life gets busy. It reminds me that even the most hectic of days contain moments of joy and stillness, if I can slow down or stop for a moment to let myself see them.

This week our Poetry Friday host is Buffy Silverman. Head on over to the Poetry Friday post to see what moments of joy and inspiration await you.

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Comments

  1. Janice ScullyJune 18, 2021 at 3:02 PM

    This is a fabulous poem, one to keep and read often. Thanks for sharing this poet's work. I was not familiar with her and now I am. The mornings in Syracuse are often like the first part of the poem, and we do sometimes find ourselves wanting more on those days.

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    Replies
    1. ElisabethJune 24, 2021 at 8:31 AM

      This poem is one of my retreats when life starts feeling too hectic. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

      Delete
  2. jamaJune 18, 2021 at 5:52 PM

    Such a beautiful poem. Love the gorgeous images. Poetry of Presence is one of my favorite anthologies. Just the thing to dip into when life gets too crazy . . .

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    Replies
    1. ElisabethJune 24, 2021 at 8:33 AM

      Jama, I agree completely! Dipping into this anthology is like slipping into a still pool of water in the middle of nowhere - it chases the craziness of a busy life away. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  3. RuthJune 18, 2021 at 8:03 PM

    I have that book! It's a good one. I love the "heart in hiding."

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    Replies
    1. ElisabethJune 24, 2021 at 8:34 AM

      Isn't that a wonderful phrase? One I'm sure many people can identify with, at least sometimes.

      Delete
  4. Linda BJune 18, 2021 at 8:33 PM

    It is new to me and holds a sentiment we should all remember. I love that ending, with "as if this quiet day
    with its tentative light weren't enough," Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Denise KrebsJune 18, 2021 at 9:21 PM

    Thank you, Elisabeth, for this lovely poem of presence. "as if this quiet day...weren't enough" Indeed! Thanks for the reminder.

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  6. Mary LeeJune 19, 2021 at 1:16 AM

    I'm trying to remember to stop myself in a moment of joy and say, "THIS" and savor it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Buffy SilvermanJune 19, 2021 at 3:53 AM

    Love the images in this poem... am bookmarking it to reread. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. TabathaJune 19, 2021 at 2:56 PM

    I can see why you return to this poem -- lovely! Thanks for sharing it with us.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bridget MageeJune 21, 2021 at 7:43 PM

    Yes, that elusive "slow down"... This poem is a good way to begin to pump the brakes. Thanks for sharing it, Elisabeth! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. author amokJune 21, 2021 at 9:43 PM

    Thanks for introducing me to this poem. That seascape is so beautiful and yet at the same time Hughes shows us the wanting-mind that perceives it as "ho hum."

    ReplyDelete

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