"Firesong"
by Anne Powell.
In a Matariki ceremony in May I used a beautiful poem from
this collection as a meditation. I would like to share some
of my thoughts about the book and invite you to have a read
yourself.
The poetry is divided into three sections
- space, people and spirit. I find I am drawn to different
sections depending on my reasons for visiting.
When I was looking for a poem that spoke
to the joy of meeting with a group of women friends I found
"Here" in 'spirit';
"over cups of tea and coffee
the sacred becomes gathered warmth"
Or as I negotiate middle age how about "
Hints for middle years" in 'people';
"You want to get
where you're going
even if you don't have a map
.
And tune your breathing
to the rhythm of soul."
At once very personal and speaking to universal
themes the poems deeply reflect my experience of nature in
Aotearoa.
From "Back Beach"
in 'place';
"If you lie down
on the back black beach
it irons away
your worries."
This is a book of poetry that I come back
to again and again, often when I am looking for the "right
words" for a friend or an occasion.
Anne Powell is described as "a
Cenacle Sister living in Wellington. She is part of an international
congregation of women whose mission is to companion people
on their inner journeys as they seek meaning, purpose, wholeness,
transformation . recovery of the sacred in the midst of life."
I feel companioned by Anne's poems as I
seek the sacred in my everyday living.
Published by Steele Roberts Ltd. 1999, Firesong
is still available, as is her next volume "Enough
Clear Water" also published by Steele Roberts, 2001.
www.womensbookshop.co.nz |
