The Ablution of The Soul

Sometimes we live the unlivable,
buried beneath burdens
of fate and ill luck.

So we spread sweet attar into our skin
letting it soak into the empty crevices
of longing and despair.

We grasp our humanity
letting it bleed and bleed
with mercy and kindness

while bathing in untroubled waters
beneath the pale moon,
washing away the sting of sorrows-

debriding old wounds steeped in regret,
excising the infection of disappointment,
scouring grudges and anguish

until we are scrubbed clean
and wrapped tightly in the soft fabric
of living simply and simply living.

Reviews

[kublakhan27]

This sounds like my life story...no exaggeration. Maintaining kindness and goodness against the backdrop of this world and its ways is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do, and I've failed that test a lot more than I've passed it, as a lot of my writing suggests. And why is it so much easier to convey negative feelings than positive, especially for us poets? That may be the greatest irony of all, but I guess that's what makes us poets and not writers in another form of literature. If there is any form of literature not for the faint of heart, it is poetry. You've laid it out all too well and clear here...a painfully beautiful piece...which is what poetry should be ;)

[icelandicblue]

Thank you. I do long to cleanse the grime from my psyche but I can never get all those tiny grains out and they chafe and chafe. I long for the positive but I live the negative. I hear you loud and clear. I like your description of a painfully beautiful place...I think that's the most I can muster these days. Thanks so much for commenting.

[kublakhan27]

Always a pleasure :)

[Frieda P]

Might you share with me where one acquires this 'sweet attar'? Sometimes the simple things in life get overshadowed in dark passages that lead us astray. An uplifting read Anne, just what I needed tonight. Heartfelt and wrapped in emotion, as you do best....

[icelandicblue]

Ha from poseys and other beautiful flowers. Thanks for the nod Frieda.

[Frieda P]

Ha seems my poseys are poisonous ones these days ;-) My pleasure always....

[New Theory]

Living simply and simply living, what a beautiful end to a beautiful poem.
Really resonated with me

[icelandicblue]

I'm happy you like those lines. I had no clue where the poem was going, I never do, but those lines seemed to magically appear.

[Blue]

Gentle and beautiful way of expressing truth. The last stanza has a profound effect on me, motivating me to let go of non-essentials and focus on what really matters.

[icelandicblue]

I am happy that you could take away something from the poem. Thanks so much Blue.

[Einstein Noodle]

cleansing and healing poem very well written ..start to finish .. soothing comfort from the cracks in my skin to the depths of my soul ..i am blessed reading your poem ... its humane and universal but oh so personal .. great job says i ..really blessed
E.

[icelandicblue]

Your words warm my heart Einstein. Thank you.

[Tom]

The best things in life are free !

A delightfully expressive and liberating piece of poetic ideology !

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much Tom. I always appreciate your visits.

[Traci]

Your last line says it best "of living simply and simply living."
Truly a deeply heartfelt piece, that many will relate to, myself included. If only there were such simplicity in life. Lovely work, Anne.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Traci, I appreciate it.

[Vidya Bacchus]

If only life were that simple my sweet friend.If only we could scrub clean our grudges and pains.This is a deeply heartfelt poem :)

[icelandicblue]

Within complexity lies a simplicity but it is often buried. Thank you Vidya.

[Vidya Bacchus]

Buried deep .You are most welcome :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

to wash it all away...and just live the simple...what a great thought...
to be able to scrub clean all the old anguish, disappointment, grudges etc.

if only we could.

[icelandicblue]

If only, if only...thank you jacob.

[redflutterby]

Anne your talent and words shine brighter then the sun here. I'm humbled by the grace and power of your heart. You move me in everything you pen because the words well from the deepest part of your being. I love each and every line... ;-)

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much red. Your words mean so very much to me.