Reflection
(Inspired by my painting, REFLECTION)
As my kitchen window reflects my neighbour’s home
so, I see myself in you.
What I like and love about you, I like and love about myself.
What I judge about you, I judge about myself.
If I’m angered by your words or actions,
I’m angered by my own
I see in you what I criticize in myself –
what makes me frustrated, frightened,
annoyed, sad.
You show me all of who I am;
my flaws and my beauty marks.
Recognizing our differences
and how we are the same
is how we learn acceptance,
how we come together.
To grow, to reconcile, to heal, to build community,
to become whole.
The poem works so well with the painting; it reads like a prayer; reminds me of marriage. Thank you. 🙂
Thank you Jacob! Much appreciated.
also, THANK YOU and Caitlin for holding this great event! I only learned about it last year and will definitely be a participant for years to come… I may even try the full Marathon at some point ! Cheers!
I love this combination, poem and painting, and how both have firm footing without the other. Such a metaphor and so apt that it is a window, not a mirror that allows perspective from both sides of the pane. Well done, thank you!
Thanks so much JR!
Many, many people in this world could benefit from reading your beautiful message in this poem. Certainly, if we kept this in mind within our relationships with others, the world would be a happier place.
Thanks so much …. It pains me to see the struggles of people in the world today when there is so much abundance and no need for prejudice, greed and war.
The painting of the window reminds me of all the windows I’ve looked out of.
Thanks for your feedback!
The opening lines work well as the hook… I simply love the theme and how you worked with it. A truly inspiring message, in so simple yet expressive terms… really well done! ^^
Thank you so much, Bhasha…. I appreciate you taking the time to give me feedback.
Hi Wendie! I wonder where in Muskoka you are? I spent so many summers in Lake Rosseau near Windermere. Now live on Vancouver Island! Your thoughtful poem reminds me of a favorite Rumi poem of mine that says what you say so well.
from The Prince of Kabul
Rumi – The Book of Love by Coleman Barks
“When you think your father is guilty
of an injustice, his face seems cruel.
Joseph, to the envious brothers, seems
dangerous. When you make peace
with your father, he will look peaceful.
The whole world is a forum for truth.
When someone does not feel grateful to that,
the forms appear to be as he feels.
They mirror his anger, his greed, his fear.
Make peace with the Universe.
Take joy in it. It will turn to gold.
Resurrection will be now. Every moment
a new beauty, and never any boredom.”
Thanks again Richard for your feedback. I’m glad the poem connected with you. And especially thank you for sharing the poem by Rumi!