April is National Poetry Month. Organized by the Academy of American Poets, the dedication increases awareness and appreciation of poetry in the nation. One of my personal favorite poets David Whyte has a poem that starts “I want to write about faith.” Since I too wanted to write about the topic, I thought I would borrow his charismatic meter. For a theme, my piece - found in “Breadcrumbs Vol. 2” - envisions that at the end of darkness’ reign, there really is no other choice but to dive into this unknowable knowing.
Faith.
I want to dive into faith.
Into the cool, blue water that embraces me like a womb.
Safe.
Assured.
Peaceful, restful.
Originating all from faith.
Faith.
That link to something higher – pure. Like cool, blue water.
Beyond the fear.
Beyond the stress.
Beyond the doubt.
That dreaded doubt that would laugh at my failures, even the most minute of mishaps, exclaiming, “This is the real you. This is how it will continue. This has just begun.”
Those terror remarks that rattle my sense of self, and implode my inner core, like strategically placed detonations in old, creaky building.
Blueprints with plans to ruin me at every turn.
If not for…
If not for…
Faith.
The knowing that these shadows are temporary, only existing because some fiend has blocked the Sun … for a moment.
Faith – the keen and clear awareness that the Sun does assuredly exist behind all shadows.
The Sun – the source.
The source of heat, warmth, and life.
Creating a glimmering reflection off the cool, blue water.
Forever.
No matter the frightful remarks from a mind bent on destruction.
Forever.
In faith – in life.
In life.
That which exists in every breath into lungs.
Filling and emptying, filling, and emptying.
When observed, taking us infinitely deeper into the truth that will free us.
To love.
To faith.
To faith.
James Anthony Ellis is a writer, poet, and producer whose newest book Breadcrumbs Vol. 2: Poems & Prose Found Along The Sacred Path can be purchased HERE: https://tinyurl.com/breadcrumbs2. The piece “Diving Into Faith” is an example of prose found within “Breadcrumbs Vol. 2.” Support this creative one through securing a copy of the book or through a paid subscription here on Substack, offering special monthly perks.
Love this! I remember as a child, the best thing about the deep is its tranquil peacefulness, as it slows every movement down to a graceful, gentle flow. The splashy chatter and noise from the shallow doesn't reach.
Deep & Beautiful!