Nine of Vessels

Those moments of self-knowing can
Be full of pleasure and indulgence...
When I realize that the most precious
Vessel I have is this body, for it allows
The enjoyment and use of all the others.
If I were to float above it with orders
To leave, then I would understand all
The petty criticisms I endured from my
Own mouth were absurd to the extent
Of cruelty and the need to feel points
Pain unnecessary. I love this container
Finally, upon this threat and understand
Its imperfections are in fact perfection
Embodied, unique and sensually a delight.

copyright (c) 2011 Amanda Morris Johnson

Nine of Tools

Sometimes it is the horror of self-revelation
That gets me to change, if I will only open
My own eyes and look at the situation I
Got myself into by using my life for servitude
To a faceless slaveholder. For the use of
Humans is by far the greatest and most
Utilized tool of all the ages. The question
Always remains, who put the chains on me?
Was it accidental or purposeful? Did I turn
The wrong way and now these consequences
Unfold around me?  It is surely the worst
Nightmare, but if I wake up then I can begin
The road to freedom and break these chains.
I courageously take the first step and look.

copyright (c) 2011 Amanda Morris Johnson

Nine of Light

Often the moment of enlightenment
Calls out the absurdity of my plight:
I drag around the bandages of old
Wounds as if they are important and
It finally occurs to me that I have been
Surely burned but my true burden is
Burnout from the discussion of what
Was and now is the moment of aha
When I step forward and admit that
The scars are merely decoration that
I earned in battles' story and now, here
There's a chance to be free of all of that.
Will I stop hiding the dimples and silver
And shine in my own gorgeous light?

copyright (c) 2011 Amanda Morris Johnson