RITUAL.

A ritual means or accomplishes nothing—

sacred or profane, there and back again—

for the God of astrophysical, clever love.

Rituals are for and from human striving

to enact something we feel is deeply true

about ourselves, the divine, and the world.

When you take part in a sacred rite,

do not worry if it works or if you are sorry

or how the ancient ones framed this all up.

Instead try borrowing some words from Rumi:

“God I have no hope. I am torn to shreds.

You are my first and last refuge.”

The ritual is just there to help you grasp it—

the immense love and provision of a parent

watching a child do their best

to learn, grow, understand, and express

who they were made to be in the world house.

You are so very loved in your trying.

Hey Text and Rocker!

If this poem added value to your day,

check out our new poetry collection

WARRIOR: A TEXT AND ROCK POETRY COLLECTION ON ART. HEART. AND THE WARRIOR ETHOS.

Hope and heart. Right here.

—Swift-Footed Markilles