service
our p.o.t.e.ntial
our p.o.t.e.ntial
we feel the same/differently
alone or isolated
invisible or overly scrutinized
confident or hesitant
we each strive to learn/share
to transform
to act
to become made new
to be free/emancipated/liberated
held back by their/our
perceptions
limitations
expectations
constraints
externalized fear/internalized self-hatred
that shameful indoctrination/miseducation
constricts
restricts
confines
reduces
our imaginings
our vision narrowed by
hard-learned lessons
obsolete ideologies
backward-looking assumptions
unfit-boundaries
unjustified scorn
the shackles of the centuries-long near past obscuring both what we knew and what we will come to know
we seek healing
but old wounds are reopened or new ones inflicted
we seek belonging
but receive intolerant impersonality fueling suspicion which must be quelled
and then we came together
inspired by a vision
inspired by a voice
sadie oglesby
she spoke through
called us together to obey the guardian’s desire
all the rainbow shades of human
blacker than black
who came to the faith to make a change
in ourselves
in our homes
in our communities
in our world
we came together
blacker than black
learning loving agreeing questioning moving always moving
we heard what others are doing
we shared what we are trying
we received with gladness with tears with inspiration
there's something for everyone that inspires us
to leave behind limits
to reframe limitation as liberation
to see the guidance as lifting rather than too lofty
we stand we walk we soar
we strive we work we serve
& through this action we become our p.o.t.e.ntial
the conduit of light
through the window to the soul
the passageway for transformation for everyone
for all for the world
for love of Bahá'u'lláh
together
blacker than black
pupil of the eye
geri lynn peak
created 6/23/2020
revised 9/28/2020
published on FB and at postpoems.org 9/29/2020
Quiet Example
Tis an interesting thing to consider yet
The value of a quiet example set
Like the crystal streams, or the mountain air
Consistent, constant, always there
Blessing every soul who happens by
Never asking who, never asking why
Giving joy just by being who they simply are
Giving light through the night like a brilliant star
Giving hope to the crowd in the dark abyss
Yes, it’s interesting to consider this
For life has afforded me such a gift -
A path interwoven with those who lift
A chance to observe and a chance to learn
What it means to care. What it means to turn
Away from the world and it’s foolish pride
Yes, the thought of this makes me look inside
And give thanks on high that I’m in the debt
Of those who a quiet example set