“Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Every night when I lie down beneath the stars I die,
my only companion
being a blanket of sky and words ringing loudly
in my ears,
and every morning as I wake
my mind conjures new images for the soul
to dip in—
and even though the eyes may only discern one step
at a time
I am convinced the universe is leading me nearer
to my purpose,
my reason for existence for which I sought to embrace
the world.
The self is often unseeing, unaware of the path it’s supposed to be
of opinion,
I gasp as the cold air caresses my cheek
as though beckoning to observe the landscape,
the underlying possibilities for my poetic heart to indulge in.
The clouds diffuse morning light to a subtle sweetness,
as I ask myself the following questions: Who am I now?
who was I before?
I suppose awakening is when we finally learn to be true to ourselves
disregarding what others have taught us to be,
and while I choose to remain close to origin,
I can’t help but wonder why branches deeply rooted long to stretch
towards the horizon–
I am conscious of half empty tea cup and few rainier cherries
poised on the table,
their thick and creamy yellow flesh eager for a second bite;
eat, love and offer your palms in prayer, there is only so much
the heart can endure,
early thirties led me to understand who and what I truly am–
poetry my vivication, my pulse, my strength
as city remembers a forgotten tale and shadows shift like pearly rays
across a cruel moraine,
ignorance’s silhouette shows no remorse as verses scatter into the open–
I am a flickering flame familiar with its various hues
and shades,
as I ready myself for challenges my pen has yet to face.
Photo credits: Pinterest
Posted for “Midweek Motif” @ Poets United
24 Responses
Sanna,
You have captured the real essence and the circumstances of awakening.., as you write, it’s when we finally learn to be true to ourselves!
Thank you so much, Eileen 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you ❤️
A beautiful illustration enhances a beautiful poem. To know yourself in your early thirties is an impressive feat. Pleased to hear you are so passionate about poetry. Like the Gandhi quote tool
Thank you so much, Rall 😀 so glad you enjoyed it ❤️
I sense a great peace with herself in the speaker’s declarations. Her awakening is going to lead to great things.
Thank you so much, MMT 😀 so glad you liked it ❤️
Love the title and the striking first line. The whole poem is a beauty. As always, Sanaa.
Thank you so much, Sumana 😀 so good to see you ❤️
“poetry my vivication, my pulse, my strength”
This is so ‘romantic’, a poetess truly enarmored with her calling in life, bravo
Thanks for dropping by my blog tiday
Much💞love
Thank you so much, Gillena 😀 so glad you enjoyed it ❤️
Much🌹🌷🌻love
“branches deeply rooted long to stretch towards the horizon-” this must be the constant source of awakening. We are just as the universe, ever expanding. I loved reading this, Sanaa. A very thoughtful piece.
Thank you so much, H. Hennenburg 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you ❤️
What a goal for all of us–to be aware of all the colors of our flame! My new favorite of yours.
Thank you so much, Susan 😀 so glad you enjoyed it ❤️
(and thank you for the inspirational prompt) 🌹
Awakening is truly when we learn to be true to ourselves and cast off the roles others have imposed. I love those branches reaching out, ready to grow bigger.
Thank you so much, Sherry 😀 so glad you liked it ❤️
Every day can be the new beginning. How good it is that you have embraced yourself and are saying “I am me”. Now the world is yours.
Thank you so much, Robin 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you ❤️
I can 100% relate to the part about “even though the eyes may only discern one step
at a time,” believing that there is a reason. I believe that someone has the map, even if I don’t!
Thank you so much, Jenna 😀 so glad you enjoyed it ❤️
What a true depiction of various hues of a soul………
Thank you so much, Vandana 😀 so glad you liked it ❤️
Perfect! When you know who you are, life is richer.
Thank you so much, Sara 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you ❤️