The Body Is a Sacrament

Notebook and a copy of Anam Cara on a desk and window looking out on a garden and the ocean

What hidden grace

does this flesh and blood temple

make manifest?

I mirror the universe

outside my window,

star jasmine and juniper,

feathery fountain grass,

salvia’s royal velvet thrust.

The far horizon draws my gaze

across Mother Pacific

and up to Father Sky,

wisps of white like angels’ eyelashes

and prophets’ beards

splashed across the blue palette.

My hazel eyes offer passage

for the inner

and the outer light,

soul windows that reflect beauty

and shine forth my own glow

from the cave of my heart.

Grace it is to know

the Beloved lit the flame.

I wrote this poem four years ago while on retreat at New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, CA. Readers of Anam Cara by John O’Donohue may recognize my title as a quote from the book and some of the ideas it inspired in me.

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Mary Camille Thomas

Mary Camille Thomas is a native of Santa Cruz, California who considers herself lucky to have returned after living internationally and on the road. She is a librarian by profession, and her poetry has appeared in The Moving Force Journal, Porter Gulch Review, and Sisters Singing. She is currently working on a novel called What Lies Buried and a collection of poems of the spirit. View all posts by Mary Camille Thomas

7 thoughts on “The Body Is a Sacrament”

This is so beautiful. Tied together in that last line.
Thank you. As always.
Much love—
Johanna

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Mary Camille Thomas says:

July 13, 2024 at 12:08 pm

Thank you, Johanna, so lovely to hear from you!

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sooo captivating and lovely, a special piece Mary…I miss you and look forward to being with you the end of the month at writing group…love b >

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Mary Camille Thomas says:

July 13, 2024 at 12:09 pm

Thank you, Barbara! It was fun to reach into the “archives” and find this. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

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