German theologian Dorothee Soelle called in “theopoetry”—doing theology by communicating with God through images that spring from our everyday experiences. Once a month I present a starter poem from the Japanese monk poet Ryokan and my response to it. Then it’s your turn. I invite you to join the conversation.
Ryokan poem
When all thoughts
Are exhausted
I slip into the woods
And gather
A pile of shepherd’s purse.
Like the little stream
Making its way
Through the mossy crevices
I, too, quietly
Turn clear and transparent.
Kownacki Poem
When all thoughts
Are exhausted
I walk to the Neighborhood Art House
To teach children
Who are poor
To write poetry.
Like the purple Johnny-jump-ups
Now playing hopscotch through the neighborhood
The children’s words humble me.
I, too, turn simple,
Open to surprise.
Your Poem
"The poems in Old Monk are inspired by Han-shan, a 9th century Chinese poet and recluse, whose poems are collected in the classic book, Cold Mountain. For my morning spiritual practice, I read a poem from Cold Mountain, reflected on it, and then wrote my own poem and short commentary in response," said Sister Mary Lou of the new collection.