To Have Space

Sometimes you have to let
the morning have its way,
set out its wide sunlit spaces
like a tablecloth upon your silence,
speak to you softly in the sound
of leaves, bright with the flush 
of spring. There is much to tell,
the stories of its winter dreaming,
waking to a warming sun, 
desires erupting in flower
and fruit.

As a child I listened 
to the almond trees clack 
their naked limbs all winter long
until late august when the first 
blossoms broke into the chilly air 
with their white whispers
and perfumed breath hushed out 
of pink throats. It was my eucharist,
trees donning their green vestments
plump with promises.

I must make space in myself
to receive the sacraments of creation,
have a reverence for what comes
forth to speak a name
in all that is born, lives and dies
and reflects a beauty 
to which I can be blind to
in the bloat of myself.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Gifford Avatar
September 11, 2026 at 10:39 AM
Hello Paul, this is a wonderful write and an enjoyable read. I seemed to have missed it when it was POTD. Belated congratulations on it being featured as POTD.
M  Avatar
September 30, 2024 at 9:09 AM
Paul, l am so sorry l missed your special honour of receiving POTD for another unbelievably captivating Paul poem. This is such a beautiful write Paul and so worthy of POTD….I was there once again with you enjoying every emotion and appreciating creation! Ive missed our journeys my friend!!!….my life has been full of late! Debx oops….Congratulations!!!
Willason Avatar
October 1, 2024 at 4:04 AM
So good to hear from you Deb. I too have been in another universe of late...quick trips back to reality to lodge a poem, then off again. Getting back to normal. So grateful for your comments, they serve as a much valued tonic. Take care my friend.... Paul
Scott Avatar
September 15, 2024 at 7:01 PM
It was a joy to notice another accolade for you, Paul, and a deeply evocative poem. I do ofcourse enjoy the pictures you paint with those masterful pen-strokes. In particular I take to heart "I must make space in myself to receive the sacraments of creation" which I will add to my daily mantra. Thank you, Paul. Glad you are here. Blessings S:) x
Willason Avatar
September 16, 2024 at 9:23 PM
Hi Sam, feel honored to receive such positive comments...my sincere thanks. It is always a pleasure to learn when a poem connects and conveys something that resonates....gives the confidence levels a lift. Poetry can be an intensely private activity but still requires an audience to fully connect to its broader purpose. I indeed appreciate your thoughtful visit my friend. Take care, Paul
Rodrigues Avatar
September 14, 2024 at 10:02 AM
Congrats on POTD, Paul! Love the lovely comparisons.
Willason Avatar
September 15, 2024 at 5:23 PM
Hi Kim many thanks for taking the time to read the poem and for your POTD congratutory note, appreciated. Cheers, Paul
Cunningham Avatar
September 14, 2024 at 7:12 AM
An enjoyable read Paul I moved to the countryside over 30 years ago, best move I ever made, Belated congratulations to you on the honour of POTD. Tom
Willason Avatar
September 15, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Thankyou Tom for your kind words. Sounds like you have found a place where nature and the landscape speaks. Good move. Regards, Paul
Greenhough Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 8:48 PM
These wonderful words that herald a blossoming almond tree is like hearing music in the wind. Congratulations on POTD.
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Thankyou dear Hilda....such lovely comments, my sincere appreciation for reading the poem and giving it some thought. Valued, regards Paul
Nicole Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 5:40 PM
' Sometimes you have to let the morning have its way. ' This thought brings a smile. :) It's the best time to reflect and be thankful. Throughout the day, blessings overflow indeed. This is beautiful and tender, all at the same time. Congratulations Paul, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. :) Hugs, Brandy
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:34 PM
Thankyou so much dear Brandy for your comments and for giving the poem your time....value the support and feel honored by your kind words. Pleased that this poem gave cause for a smile, gifted with appreciation my friend. Cheers, Paul
Ray Choudhury Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 4:38 PM
Congratulations on your POTD. So profound - a marvellous spiritual piece - I am mesmerized with its depth and your choice of words to express oneness with Nature!
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:27 PM
Quite moved by your lovely words dear Malabika, thankyou. Pleased that the poem found a kindred soul. Take care, Paul
Bartley Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 3:15 PM
Congratulations on your POTD! Thanks for sharing.
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:20 PM
Thankyou Benjamin for reading the poem and for your comments. Valued...kind regards, Paul
Kitchin Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 1:31 PM
Paul, a wonderful poem, congratulations on POTD.
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:19 PM
Thankyou so much dear Tania....appreciated. Give Ziggy an extra hug from me and a doggy treat. Take care my friend, Paul
Turner Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 12:53 PM
So profound! Excellent writing Paul. Most worthy of the honor, POTD.
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:14 PM
So good to hear from you Daniel...thankyou for your kind words and support...there from the start of my PS journey and treasured. Take care my old friend, Paul
Wolf Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 12:29 PM
Nice to see what was actually the best poem of the day rewarded as such. Most deserving, Paul. Bravo! ~ Gershon
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:11 PM
Humbled by your words Gershon....value your opinion my friend. Thankyou once again, Paul
Parker Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 12:18 PM
Always a treat to capture POTD, Paul. Nicely crafted piece. :o))
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:07 PM
Indeed...feel honored. Value your comments Arlo and for spending a little tine with the poem. Matters to me. Cheers, Paul
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 11:48 AM
Hellpo Paul Willason, Congratulations on your POPTD. Enjoy your special day. /Darlene/
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:10 PM
Hello Paul ,You are welcome Paul. You enjoy your weekend. Warm regards /DArlene/
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:04 PM
Very much appreciate your kind words Darlene. Thankyou for reading the poem. Warm regards, Paul
Slaughter Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 10:25 AM
I love the first two lines, Paul...and then all the others are rivetingly mesmerizing. An excellent selection for POTD.
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 4:02 PM
Thankyou Jim....honored by your words. Pleased that you found the poem to be a worthwhile read...always music to a poet. Cheers my friend,
Goldsmith Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 8:32 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful write. It made my morning. Have a blessed day writing away...................
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 3:58 PM
Thankyou dear Paula for reading the poem and gracing it with such lovely words. Very much appreciated. Take care, Paul
Gentile Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 4:03 AM
Paul, what a wonderful write, full of personal expression and the beauty of nature! I shall let my morning have its way while contemplating it this day! Congratulations on your POTD honors!
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 3:24 PM
Good to hear from you Mike...thankyou for yr complimentary words, very much appreciated and valued. Do hope your morning spoke in gentle tones and welcomed you warmly... Cheers, Paul
Andresen Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 1:13 AM
- Congratulations, I moved from the city into almost untouched nature ...I enjoy every minute :) -
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 3:21 PM
May nature receive your kind presence with joy my dear Anne-Lise...thankyou for reading and commenting. Cheers.
Seeker Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 1:07 AM
An absolutely marvellous spiritual write, Paul, a clear fav, thanks for sharing and warmest congratulations on POTD
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 3:18 PM
So pleased the poem found such a welcoming soul...thankyou dear US
Jones Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 1:03 AM
What a poignant potd! Congratulations!
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 3:16 PM
Thankyou so much Karen for your kind words...take care, Paul
Kavanagh  Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 1:02 AM
Back with congratulations Paul, on a totally deserving POTD, not very often a piece like this comes along, so all the more it should be recognised with appropriate honours, (enjoy this space) cheers David
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 3:14 PM
So honored by your gracious words...sincere thanks. Paul
Wolf Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 9:11 PM
Wonderful metaphor -- sacred and sanctified. I've always thought of the forest as a vast cathedral, which hopefully will never turn evil. Bravo, Paul! A FAVE for me. Thank you!
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 3:13 PM
Sincere thanks Gershon for reading the poem and taking the time to comment. Moved by yr kind words my friend. May the forest continue to welcome you. Chees.
Kavanagh  Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 12:02 PM
Always great to bring religious imagery into our poems Paul, seems to enhance the work when done right (just like here), we are indeed part of nature, its sights, sounds, and silence, a beautifully crafted piece, top poem, cheers David
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 3:09 PM
Thankyou David for your thoughtful comments...you always seem to get into a poem with that mind of yours...a skill I value and enjoy. Appreciated...
Lawrence Avatar
September 10, 2024 at 6:38 AM
As I read your poem this morning, I take in each and every one of your words beautifully expressed. I so relate to this poem. Definitely a fav for me as well. Honoring time and space …. finding the peace and desire within to receive it all is a beautiful thing indeed. Have a wonderful day Paul . Hugs, Susan :)
Willason Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 3:59 AM
So lovely to receive your positive comments dear Susan...a treat to bathe in such praise. Thankyou so much...its always good to hear when a poem lands with a welcome. Take care and cheers my friend.
Lawless Avatar
September 10, 2024 at 5:47 AM
..."it was my eucharist"... the line is the axle upon this poem spins its web of thought provoking inquiry into ho to let it all go and b at peace with oneself. Beautifully done Paul. an absolute FAVE.
Willason Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 3:53 AM
Good observation John...as always sincerely value your impressions and feedback. Good helpings of knowledge and/or humour. In this case a sensitive response. Savoured my friend.
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