Goddess Figurines

We're getting ready for another Rumi's Caravan tonight, part of Bolo's new album release celebration.  I was thinking this morning about one of Rumi's most famous poems, Love Dogs.  I've always questioned what it says - how is one's longing actually the connection to spirit?  I didn't exactly come up with an answer, but while writing and looking up at my goddess figures, I did come up with a poem that leans in that direction.  Here's a picture of some of the figurines (and yes, I really did schlep them and more home from Greece in my suitcase), and the poem.

Goddess Figurines

It is all

right here

before me.

The figurines –

goddesses or priestesses,

            from Crete,

            from Eleusis,

            from Mycenae,

bird-headed, or

crowned with snakes, cats, diadems –

all with arms raised –

            in prayer,

            in praise,

            in supplication,

            in blessing.

I carried them all

home from Greece

wrapped in clothing and paper,

nestled in my carry-on bag,

not a one broken

or hurt.

For fifteen years

they have stood

on my altars,

on my writing table,

eyes wide open,

gazing at me.

It is only now

that I grasp

the message 

of their stance:

Lift your arms,

they say.

Your connection

to spirit begins

with your own effort.

Lift your arms.