Reader’s Poem: Ladder to the Light

The underground kiva

is a fertile place for waiting.

There the Spirit touches us

and we are transformed.

Claim hope as home

for we are surrounded by love.

Envision unity in diversity

and a willingness to learn.

We are not strangers,

but family in search of itself.

The Spirit’s truth–

nothing is finally lost.

Renewal comes from deep

within the kiva. Then climb

the ladder of spiritual awareness

and do some good today.

The great change has begun.

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Steven Charleston. Ladder to the Light: An Indigenous Elder’s Meditations on Hope and Courage (Minneapolis: Broad Leaf Books, 2021). Reader’s poem by Samuel Rahberg.

Reader’s Poem: After I finish a good read and before I tuck it away on the shelf, I like to spend some time summarizing what was most important to me. I use the author’s own words, varied only slightly, and follow the themes that speak most strongly to me in this season. This example serves only as my own interpretation, so I take responsibility for any deviation from the author’s original intent. Even so, may it be a helpful reflection for others and an encouragement to read a fine book in its entirety.