0134 All things shine

Everything is full of its own essence;
so full, it shines beyond itself
and makes its own space,
an inner space so great
that it meets ourselves in its own radiance;

so full that if we name it –
blade of grass, thunderstorm, darkness, angel –
it sighs to be named, lowers its eyes in sadness,
silent with a certain regret
at being parted from the name it shares

and even when we say that name –
say it quietly, listening as we breathe,
call it some name like God, or poet –
even then it sighs a little
like a child knowing its first fear

yet shining with forgiveness
like a tree, like an angel, like a feather.

poem by Michael Shepherd
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!