Catching the Light

All the valuable things we can learn from books point to the force of life that can't be contained in a book. This poem explores this paradox.

Catching the Light

Forget the books and the dogma.
Faith is a chance that appears when
on the run. When lost in the tangled
wood, there's a patch of light and for
a second it seems clear. If you can get
there and open your chest to the sun,
things will be safe again. But as you
run, the light moves and you have
to change course. You stop, out of
breath, and question yourself. But
the light is so strong, you keep run-
ning to be in it. Sometimes, like in
football, you as the receiver are guarded
so close, you just have to put your head
down and run to the spot, with faith
that the gift will appear in your open
hands reaching for the sky. Never doubt
your ability to catch the light. You have
a strength that is never far from those
worn to their goodness. Keep singing
the song under everything, even
when you don't feel strong.

A Question to Walk With: Tell the story of someone you admire who has been worn to their goodness.

For more poetry for the soul, click here.

For more by Mark Nepo, click here.