Gil Hedley: "Living Testament"

Your body
is a holy book,
a scripture—

the pages
of your flesh
are marked
in exquisite detail
with the finest hand,

inscribed by spirit
with the poetry
of love,
lessons of mercy,
miracles,
angelic hosts,

and the story
of your life
perfectly told,

an illuminated manuscript
of a sacred writing
epic in scope,
majesty
and grace.

Every hair
on your head
and line on your face,
every rushing tide
of wind and wave
moving you
from within
this living testament
bear witness
to the truth
layered
within you—

Study this text
with conviction then,
reflect with care
upon its meaning,
and enjoy
the divine
inspiration.

"Living Testament" by Gil Hedley, from Beyond the Leaving (2011). Reprinted with permission of the poet.

Art credit: Study of hands by Leonardo da Vinci.