Just a few weeks ago, two things happened.
I went to the Laity Lodge retreat and was “baptized” with a freedom I still long to recapture. And one of my Team members who I care about very much did not go, because things got in the way.
Maybe this is why I was drawn to Glynn’s poem, for the “triggers writing prompt.” Baptism is an event that marks a moment, but it doesn’t mean things won’t get in the way in the future. We may still face absence, and it may still propel us to further baptisms of a sort.
Anyway, from Glynn then— the poem I’m featuring for our last RAP…
Baptism
Unwrapped from its swaddling
of brown paper, it sits rather
knowingly, a smile on its surface
shining blue and brown and green
and sand, the colors of its origin,
the colors of its impetus,
an impetus born of absence
that propelled it northward
from the hills. I baptized it today
with coffee.
All Random Acts of Poetry Participants
Maureen’s Odds Are
Monica’s Poured and Shaped
Erin’s Speaking of Fractions
Karin’s No Boasting Here and Ready to Run
Glynn’s Bowl of Fortunes
Sandra’s It Will Not End Up Here
Rosanne’s Straws of a New Order
Mug photo by Kelly Sauer. Used with permission. Post by L.L. Barkat. Visit L.L. at Seedlings in Stone, for more on writing, poetry, art and life.
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Kelly Sauer says
Of course. The mug. I love it!
L. L. Barkat says
Thanks for letting me use your photo, Kelly. I believe it fits so well with the idea of those undetermined edges… how a “baptism” is not really once-for-all, even as it is.
Monica Sharman says
This third time around, the part that really got me was the opening word:
Unwrapped.
Maureen Doallas says
I like Glynn’s poem a lot.
Here was mine (I think I put it on the Wall):
http://writingwithoutpaper.blogspot.com/2011/10/odds-are-poem.html
L. L. Barkat says
So sorry, Maureen. I didn’t see it on the Wall, though I looked for you, thinking you must have done something. Will fix! 🙂
Megan Willome says
So good, Glynn!
Sam Van Eman says
I would say baptism is more holy with tea, but I’ll let this doctrinal difference slide.
L. L. Barkat says
Lol, Sam! 🙂
Baptism-tea of choice?
Ann Kroeker says
Lovely. I have taken some photos of my matching mug. I feel tied to everyone who sips from this common cup; or, at least, this cup that we have in common.
I had PG Tips one morning, but I think I baptized mine in the evening, so I was stuck with decaf. It was a chai-flavored Stash tea.