CYCLES

The poem behind the article...

As we soak up the last of the summer before the Autumn ushers us to get back to whatever it is we are meant to be doing, I thought I'd share my poem: 'Cycles'.

I am dedicating it to students (an academic year older in the space of 6 weeks) as they face uncertainty and adventure; new classes and fresh expectations. To lecturers, teachers and tutors preparing to nurture, develop and eventually let go of another set of learners such is your cycle. And to University Chaplains that inspired the piece in the first place. May you find the capacity and poise to hold the many stories that you encounter with grace. May you gently facilitate the growth of those invested in learning how to be and become in this noisy world, whilst still in formation, discerning their path. May those who come to you seeking wise counsel, guidance, safety and sometimes prayer- find all of these things pouring out of you in abundance - whilst you also take care of yourselves.

For those curious to know the story behind the poem, you can find it here in my previous post: ‘Lean on Me’. If you’d rather just head on into the unknowing without context – like a true mystic (or regular reader of poetry) then simply draw on the well of my offering below. If my poem moves you in anyway, then please do like, subscribe and share. You’ll be amplifying a voice in the wilderness and making this gal very happy in the process.

Thank you.

Natasha

CYCLES

The place where the lost and stolen,                              abandoned         and

Broken ones find themselves.

Back for restoration, to be nurtured, cared for and

set on the right road                                                                       towards their destination.

This pilgrimage of study                                full of the rigours of

Being                                                     and                                                                        Becoming

This never ending learning cycle

With its’ never                                                                                                                  ending dreams wrapped up in

Journals, academic research, pending papers

And superficial schemes

about how one day you will conquer the world.

This

mixed with too much alcohol and talk

of being unique

or worse still

not fitting in

Blends in with your secret ideas of being                                              the campus alien

the extra- terrestrial fighting the temptation to “call home”

masking

the fear                                                                                                                that you do not belong

behind

a cycle of recycled thinking,

thinking

on your                                                                own

with

The constant mind-chatter of mental calculations and unhelpful reasoning:

You ask: “What is the meaning of all this?”

Things were so much easier when you were told which roads to cross, which lanes you should avoid, which paths would have the biggest cost

And now you cannot find the answer you conclude:

“I must be lost!”

You took a chance, took hits and knocks, and missed a crucial turning.

But God always recalibrates.

A helping hand offers TLC an answer to prayer.

 How many tears of heartache and joy have rippled down the handle bars of this frame?

How many dislodged seats…. Twisted peddles and broken chains have found their way to heaven’s bike shed to be lovingly restored? 

That steady hand and calming voice says “Rest assured, I’ve tightened all your nuts and bolts, now on your way”

And off you go…though cautiously at first.

Like a child who’s training wheels have been removed.

You move onto the next adventure until

the cycle begins again.

© Natasha Godfrey 2016