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The Invitation

I do it often, drag a perfect morning in through the front door of myself and make it a reluctant guest, replace its colors with my own dour palette, drown out its soft voice with noise. It has become a habit, trying to confine the morning's width within my space, hold its edges so it doesn't stretch beyond my reach. Its freedom is almost an anathema to me for it exceeds my own. How small my world has become. The distance from one side of myself to the other is getting narrower, the little room left is depleting breath by breath. The light squeezes through ever smaller windows. And yet, as it came upon me this morning, I was met with a bright abundance that had gathered at my door, carrying forgiveness for my habitual ignorance and an invitation to step outside myself, once more.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 5/16/2024 7:43:00 AM
You really are a master of your art, Paul, there is little else to add to the comments below.. but, honestly.. *applause* Blessings, C :) x
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Paul Willason
Date: 5/16/2024 10:12:00 PM
Honored by your kind words Christopher....thankyou. Pleased that you took time to read the poem and giving it an applause...valued my friend. Regards, Paul
Date: 5/15/2024 4:24:00 PM
How wonderfully introspective your poem is! As I've gotten older, I've become such a creature of habit and the security that comes with it that I don't 'step outside myself' too often. Your poem reminded me of how refreshing that can be...I especially liked 'habitual ignorance.' Well said. Have a splendid evening, Sara
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Paul Willason
Date: 5/16/2024 10:02:00 PM
We always have a tendency to prefer the safety of our own little world, loss of control being a factor in the equation. I think this poem has a number of interpretations...it went its own way so I am just as open. Thankyou so much Sara for reading and offering your meaningful comments.
Date: 5/15/2024 6:10:00 AM
Hello Paul, your introspective poem is a wonderful exploration of the human tendency to confine ourselves within self-imposed limitations, even in the face of the world's boundless beauty and freedom. Your artistic, poetic voice invites us to confront our habitual ignorance and embrace the forgiveness and abundance that awaits us when we step outside the narrow confines of our own making. It is a thought-provoking poem that encourages us to gain the fullness of life's invitations. Amen! - Blessings, Daniel
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Paul Willason
Date: 5/16/2024 9:14:00 PM
Do enjoy your thought provoking and contemplative summaries Daniel...in a way the poem could be seen as an offshoot of a subject you covered recently, re panic, this carrying the inference of agoraphobia. Do value your support my friend.
Date: 5/15/2024 5:17:00 AM
Paul, I'm always awake before dawn yawns and sheds a rosy smile at me. I welcome her with one in return. Songbirds call her to wake and it's my absolute favorite time of day. Morning must be forgiving of those who'd rather stay abed and sleep instead of enjoying what those first hours of the day have to offer. Now that you've learned to accept that invitation to 'step outside yourself,' life will be more balanced and enjoyable. pssttt... I know this is fiction. My comments were fun as if not.
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Paul Willason
Date: 5/16/2024 9:06:00 PM
I've always been a morning person...I like greeting the new day as it rolls off the line with its new paint. Thankyou Lin for your thoughtful comments, will try and take yr advice. Take care, Paul
Date: 5/15/2024 4:47:00 AM
I felt such a surge of emotion and recognition reading this Paul... I can never tell if my self awareness is a good or terrible thing but I suppose with the knowledge of how as individuals we all unconsciously go about things, we can also (sometimes) consciously tell ourselves to give ourselves a break too. Absolutely stunning poetry Paul that gets to the heart of me and helps me reflect. The other thing it conveys also, despite often tricky subject matter is what a beautiful soul you are. The 'consciousness' of you and ability to translate into words what I can barely translate from a sensation is simply breathtaking. You take awareness to new levels and transform and condense it into pure beauty.
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Paul Willason
Date: 5/16/2024 9:02:00 PM
You are too kind DD in your comments...have a hard time fiiting into the dimensions of the person you describe...simply overwhelmed by your support and generous words. Thankyou my dear friend, Paul
Date: 5/15/2024 3:21:00 AM
A good poem. Well done.
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Paul Willason
Date: 5/16/2024 8:59:00 PM
Appreciate you reading the poem and for the feedback Jeanette. Regards, Paul

Book: Reflection on the Important Things