The Prayer

A sacred swim (a 59-word-limit writing that became a poem)

The Prayer

 

She bows her head

and splits the surface of the high

mountain lake

with both hands clasped. 

Deep waters open,

and close,

but she fears no shadow. 

Over and over

her arms arc a rhythm

and she swims praises,

she swims praises.

Her breath shimmers

above her

in long spirals,

a thousand pale green

pearls

rising holy,

holy,

holy.

 

 

Reviews

[Lily1111]

I really enjoyed reading this poem. It was rather like watching images being created on canvas with the strokes of your words. So very visual with lines like:

"She bows her head
and splits the surface of the high
mountain lake "

that it comes alive. I saw it all in my mind and I just love when a poem can do that.

Very well written and truly enjoyed!

[Wildfleour]

I came to look for something I haven't read of yours, and as usual, you did not disappoint.

This is exquisite!

[Winter McPherson]

Very beautiful...

Such a serene feeling....and a reverence.

[mysticgmekeepr]

Yes, yes, every word, every line YES...."deep waters open and close but she fears no shadow" Amen

[[untitled]]

Toni, I can see the clearest water....it is cold and pure I simply cannot repeat what i say too often about your sense of place, but you always create surroundings in which I would like to find myself. There is clarity, purity and goodness.

[Thomas James Martin]

Very beautiful and poignant--reaching the true spirituality.

Tom

[Hedra Helix]

wow that is lovely. I could feel the truth of the prayer in it and also I could let myself live in that moment, both physical and spiritual meld together.
beautiful

[radian7]

I love this poem for so many reasons. I love the physical format- the layout of the poem itself, the imagery , the symbolism that I can read into it, the action of the character and the setting are among some of the elements I appreciate. Thanks for posting.