Write2Day–A Love Affair with Words

Image via Wikipedia

One of the things I enjoy most about my Kindle is the dictionary feature. If your bring the cursor to a word in the text, the definition pops up at the bottom of the screen. Hit “return” and it takes you to an expanded expose of the various meaning of the word. .. wonderful feature for word-addicts like those of us who write.

This morning as I was reading a bit of the Bible, there was a footnote on the word SPIRIT. Because I’m interested in biblical exegesis and the Hebrew root of things, I went to the footnote to see which Hebrew word for soul (there are five, if I remember correctly) John (or whoever wrote that gospel) used. When the cursor landed on “SPIRIT” and the definition appeared, it drew me in, so I had to explore. I knew there would be a number of definitions and I was right. Here are just a few of them:

• the non-physical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul;
• a part regarded as the person’s true self and capable of surviving physical death or separation;
• such a part manifested as an apparition after their death–a ghost;
• a supernatural being;
• short for the Holy Spirit;
• qualities regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements in the character of a person, nation, or group or in the thought and attitudes of a particular period;
• a person identified with their most prominent mental or moral characteristics or with their role in a group or movement;
• a specific emotion or mood;
• a person’s mood;
• the quality of courage, energy, and determination or assertiveness;
• the attitude or intentions with which someone undertakes or regards something;
• the real meaning or the intention behind something as opposed to its strict verbal interpretation;
• strong distilled liquor!

Wow; all of that in one word!

For today’s prompt, let’s write a poem, essay or short fiction that revolves around the word SPIRIT.  Take it wherever you like. If you choose to participate:

• Write your submission and post it on your blog;
• Access Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post and add your name and copy the direct URL of your post into the link;
• Visit and comment on the work of other participants…there are not too many so it shouldn’t be a huge task;
• Enjoy the process of writing and reading.

I’m still having some challenges with my back, but we’re working on that, so excuse me for not being too “present” in the world of blogging these days. I will be posting at dVersePoets’ Meeting the Bar tomorrow and hope to see you there. It is a great place to share poetry and friendship. I may need to vary the days that I do my weekly “Write2Day” entry so expect a bit of the unexpected. Thanks for being a part of the creative SPIRIT that happens here in the world of blogs.

Copyright 2012 Victoria Ceretto Slotto. All rights reserved.

Image: GNU Free Documentation License

 

Mourning

Mourning Dove (Photo credit: mizmak)

Photo: David Slotto, all rights reserved.

Mourning

Alone beneath a velvet sky
silver sparks dance with sparrows,
crystal moons splinter.

Clay turtles melt
on an empty canvas
leaving tawny shadows
beside the hibiscus
that blooms
in velvet wonder.

A hummingbird descends,
drinks
perfumed blood and honey.
Blankets of feathers
stagger across its
silken breast.

Mourning doves
covet joy.

Ladles of honey
slip down
throats,
mask pain,
balance
the loss of
life’s rhythm.

Submitted to dVerse Poets’ Open Link Night and Write2Day.

Copyright 2012, Victoria C. Slotto, all rights reserved.

Dove Image: Creative Commons Non-Commercial Share-Alike

Intention–Kavannah–and Writing

Although I am not Jewish, I have found much nourishment in studying spiritual aspects of Judaism, in particular the Hebrew Alphabet (Aleph Beit). Jewish mystics and scholars believe that God used the letters of the Aleph Beit to bring about creation. Consider the power of the Word.

This morning I spent time with the letter Kaph. It means “palm” as in the palm of the hand. There is power in the hand–we raise a hand in blessing, we use our hands in the act of creating, through the hand healers channel their healing energy–think of Jesus, or Reiki Masters. It is intention, kavannah, that enables this power. Kaph is the first letter of kavannah and, as such, invites us to bring intentionality to our daily actions.

A few hours ago I spent some time doing the domestic thing: folding laundry, doing the dishes, a quick “pick up/put away storm” around the house. The idea of kavannah came to mind and, as I was making the bed, I realized that I can do it grudgingly or with grace. Bringing the intention of love to simple chores transforms them–making our home a blessing. It’s true that this is something I learned at an early age, but it’s something I have to continue to strive to remember. It’s so easy to slip into unconsciousness and go through the actions of every day without awareness.

So, we write. How can kavannah/intention affect this part of our life? What happens when, before we put our palms on the keyboard, we remember that we are instruments of God’s creative Spirit?