Poems
By Linda M. Rhinehart Neas
I Am
From…
I am from the Hail Marys and Our Fathers
Of my Irish grandmothers
I am from the genuflection and Holy Water
Of a parochial education
I am from the advocacy of Civil Rights
Gathered in the dreams of my mother
As she fought poverty and disease
I am from the curiosity of a child that asked
Questions the nuns couldn’t answer –
Why can’t I be a priest? Why don’t all good people go to Heaven?
I am from hours of study over sacred scriptures,
Histories of cultures and a love for humanity
I am from the inherent belief that I am here
On this tiny blue planet to teach and share Love –
The one tenant common to all
I am from the humility of the projects to
The privilege of middle class suburbia,
Where I learned I could be more than enough
I am from interfaith seminary, ordination, and ministry –
Serving all as they are, not as I think they should be
I am Christian with Buddhist philosophy
Blessed by Indigenous Grandmothers –
Tenacious, hope-filled,
Open to Spirit’s call
Just Beneath
Just Beneath
the litter of autumn
the hodgepodge of leaf and twig
just below the rich, black mulch
through which worms aerate,
a sprig of green, lies hidden,
like a pirate’s treasure, but
tenacious enough to want more
than undiscovered beauty.
Pushing its way through the debris
of yesteryear – up into the Light –
spring’s first blossom
reveals its glory!
About The Author
Linda M. Rhinehart Neas
Linda M. Rhinehart Neas has written three books of poetry, has contributed to various anthologies, and had a weekly column in two regional newspapersin Maine. She, also, wrote and edited an eBook, Returning to the Circle: Inspirational Wisdom from Women for Women, which is a 30-day journey of self-discovery. Linda is an educator, writer, poet, Wisdom teacher and Interfaith minister. She holds a Master of Education from UMass Amherst. She teaches English as a Second language for a non-profit as well as community college, holds workshops on writing and poetry throughout New England, and maintains a “ministry without walls” online. Linda lives in The Enchanted Cottage with her partner, Roger. She gains great insight and inspiration from her four daughters and growing number of grandchildren.
Blogs:
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
https://interfaithmoments.blogspot.com/
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