Foreword

Mary breathes amazing life into any project she undertakes. And that includes spirit filled relationships with family, friends and nature. Her words sing on their own; but when you get to know this warm, energetic and loving soul, those words take on even greater meaning. Mary's style of poetry is just what folks need in these cynical times. Read her words, feel better, and get to know a beautiful new frien

 

Jordan Rich

WWBZ Boston Host

 

Acknowledgments

 

With deepest gratitude to my Loving Creator who lifted me out of darkness and into the light.

 

To my family – my husband Tom and twins, Ruth Anne and Tommy – thank you for your patience, love and unwavering faith.

 

With loving gratitude to all my spiritual teachers, healing angels and supporters who I have been blessed to meet along my journey's way – I could fill an entire book listing each and every one of you. Know the love and gratitude I feel for you deep in my heart.

 

Mary McManus

April 2009

 

Introduction

Love Fills the Sails

The Tempest

Noah's Ark

Driving Through the Rain

The Umbrella

Leave the Old World Behind

The Voice of Love

Beneath the Surface

A Wound Now Healed

Bon Voyage

The Unveiling

The River of Love

Infectious

Cast Off

Charting the Course

A Moment of Doubt

Not a Shred of Doubt

Wedding Vows

Take the Plunge

Prayer for a Joyous Journey

Peace at the Shore

The Gift in a Sneeze

The Bridge Game

Unfurl the Sails

The Fuel of Life

 

 

Introduction

The words dream, imagine, freedom or sailing with the wind were words used to describe people other than myself. I was a control freak – I tried to control everyone and everything around me. I worked 8-4:30 as a medical social worker for almost twenty years. When I awoke every morning, my thoughts focused on what needed to be done for the day ahead, the week ahead or for the month ahead. I obsessively budgeted time and money. While I made lists of things to worry about, I prayed to God to take the worries away from me.

 

In December 2006, life as I had known it came to a screeching halt. I was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome. In the dark winter days of February 2007, while my body was wracked with muscle pain, fatigue and weakness, I felt an urge to create. I was blessed to discover the gift of poetry within my soul. My early poems focused on my healing journey and I discovered a new world unfolding before me. I took a leap of faith to leave the security of a successful career and steady income. While many (including myself at times) thought I was crazy to leave my job before I was eligible for retirement, I declared I would find success as a published author and businesswoman but more importantly, I would reclaim my physical, emotional and spiritual health.

 

I have been blessed to experience a physical and spiritual transformation through endless hours of physical therapy at Spaulding Rehab Hospital, diligence to a training program designed by my personal trainer, Janine Hightower, changes in nutrition, yoga, meditation and a spiritual awakening. On April 20, 2009 I ran the 113^th Boston Marathon! The realization that my God is a God filled with overflowing love and abundance, and the discovery of that love and joy within, are the winds that fill my sail on my life's journey. I now imagine, dream, feel free, sail with the wind, and create a phenomenal life for myself each and every day. When the seas are rough, with God's love as my beacon, there is a strength to weather any storm.

 

Come along with me and Set Sail for a New World within yourself. Reflect on the love in your heart, the beauty in the world around you and be attentive to the messages in your life. Be stirred to action to love yourself and to share this love with everyone you meet. Love is the healing balm to cure all ills, and joined together in love we can set sail for and create a new world.

 

Mary McManus

April 2009

 

 

 

 

The Tempest

 

The mighty wind of tempest gusts

the ship thrown off its keel

Mighty armor to protect

a heart encased in steel.

Flickering eternal lamp

wick was barely lit

Gasping for a breath of air

braced for every hit.

Then God appeared and spread Her arms

this madness has to cease

Safe harbor in My Way you'll find

come find the path of peace.

Open wide – the flame will grow

can't sail these seas alone

Steadied with the hand of God

to melt my heart of stone.

 

 

 

 

Noah's Ark

 

Storms of doubt and guilt and fear

conflict fires fanned,

the ark - a haven – respite spot

until it's safe to land.

 

Lightning, thunder, torrents of rain

can't see the course ahead,

safety reigns with God's True Love

Her beacon, to safety I'm lead.

 

Led inside I find a Love

so powerful and strong -

loneliness and ache and hurt

replaced by freedom's song.

 

Feeling strength and confidence

a hope - a joy profound,

hearing how the rain has stopped

a silent blessed sound.

 

Open door – the olive branch

dry ground all tears now dried,

choosing life and choosing love

old self at last has died.

 

 

Driving Through the Rain

 

Driving in a strange new place

no vision through the pane

windshield wipers useless

with wind torrential rain.

 

My hand can clutch the wheel in fear

and panic fill my heart

let go, release breathe deep in Trust

let worries now depart.

 

Dark of night a slivered light

is all I need to see

to travel on life's journey

two feet ahead of me.

 

The road behind was traveled

who knows what lies ahead?

Anticipate the journey

release all sense of dread.

 

For deep within – a knowing

to guide me through this night

Blind faith an inner vision

reveals a glorious sight.

 

 

The Umbrella

 

Arms are getting heavy, protection always there

Waiting for that rainy day – it could be anywhere.

Surrounded black with wire, handle heavy wood

What happens if I let it go – if I only could.

 

Time to take the armor down – is there rain or sun?
It doesn't really matter, I'm protected by the One.

 

Turn umbrella on its side, it now becomes a sail

Filled with Love and Light and Truth and Truth can now prevail!

The once black heavy nylon to shroud me from the pain

Now sets me free from fear and doubt, I'm dancing in the rain.

 

Time for a new life's journey; transform from black to white

And everything I dream of, is never far from sight.

 

 

 

Leave the Old World Behind

 

For years and years I lived behind a wall of crushing pain

chest wall heaving shallow breaths at times I felt insane.

Swirling thoughts of victim from life's battery energy drained

the moments of my life slipped by – fewer years of life remained.

 

This old world was familiar, oddly comfortable and safe

gray and dull with little light with chains on skin did chafe.

Feeling trapped and shutting out the world outside my door

vowing that the walls should stay protect me evermore.

 

Although there was no passion, no love no laughter brought

I didn't have to face the pain that all the past had wrought.

For staying trapped inside myself no contrast to take hold

forgetting who my Master is into Slavery I was sold.

 

I was drowning in the anger, toxic poison to my soul

perpetuating human lies with no way to feel whole.

Dare to cleanse the wounds inside and trust the one Divine

groping, hoping, holding breath and waiting for a sign.

 

Yet all those years I held the key deep inside my womb

no need to live my life alone inside my self built tomb.

Unlock myself take off these chains that I HAD PUT ON ME

in truth no one can lock me up this truth I had to see.

 

Peering into darkness – a ray of hope and light

God's lighthouse beckoned to me – a healing was in sight.

To unbuild brick and mortar – a flood of tears the force

to sail with God and free my soul with Love straight from the Source.

 

Within my heart a joy leaps up Explorer's lamp was lit

excitement, fear, a restlessness were chomping at the bit.

And thoughts of being victim and fear and doubt and dread

are now replaced with thoughts of Life and Light and Love In-Stead!

 

 

The Voice of Love

 

Gratitudes and affirmations are the way to start my day

Tuning out the static let Your Voice to guide my way.

Lightness, love and laughter are the gifts You give to me

Feeling happy and abundant living joyful feeling free.

Take off the yoke of slavery that was anchored to my soul

Expose the truth of who I am – magnificent and whole.

Living in the moment – hear the raindrops feel serene

Breathing in Your power feeling grateful for this scene.

Your Voice of Love in whispers as the lush leaves bend with grace

Whenever I am with You I am in Your sacred space.

Open heart and open arms let Love cleanse every pore

To wash away the trauma of all that went before.

 

 

 

Beneath the Surface

 

When I look into the mirror, the white caps may seem rough

with God to guide me through the waves, my journey's never tough.

 

Looking in the mirror, what exactly do I see?

To start I see a ten inch scar from thigh down to the knee.

Sometimes swollen ankles or dark circles 'neath my eyes

another scar 6 inches 'round my shoulder's where it lies.

A scar across my belly and another on my breast

scars only on the surface, in my essence I'm God's best.

 

I thank God for all the surgeons who took great care of me

I've now learned beyond the scars there's so much more to see.

 

Feeling loving gratitude down deep inside my core

for blessing and the healing that transcend what went before.

To cherish every part of me, to honor God within

to go beyond appearances – drown out commercial din.

 

My body is the casing, the real trophy's deep inside

no surgeon's scalpel can it touch, no longer must I hide.

 

I'm thankful for the way I am – not want another's lot

And feel the glow and sparkle of my unique life's spot.

With God there is the loving to transform the way things are

take control of the perspective and I'm God's shining star.

 

With God strong in my center, such love to life I bring

my heart and mind and Spirit can transform anything.

 

 

A Wound Now Healed

 

Keeping wounds open perhaps out of guilt or

on critical words a self image was built.

That's not the Truth for right at my core

there's God's infinite Love with great healing in store.

 

I cleanse with salt water - God's great healing balm

restores me to peace, restores me to calm.

Let go healing tears – now bathing my soul

immerse in the waters-now healing the hole.

 

My hands now are free to love and create

release all resentment, jealousy, hate

and weave in forgiveness to help me heal fast

the wound left alone can now heal at last.

 

 

Bon Voyage

 

At 5:00 am alarm went off – a new day I would start

Mechanical, emotionless, I couldn't feel my heart.

Joyous moments came and went I couldn't make them last

Expecting that my future life would be just like my past.

 

One day my strength had given out no longer could I row

My boat was shipwrecked on a rock with nowhere else to go.

Despite the ocean's vastness a thirst grew in my soul

Abandoned in a desert wanting only to feel whole.

 

Spent much time alone – apart – felt lost in fog and mist

Rage-filled hours wasted – at God I'd shake my fist.

My body broke and battered – castaway lost at sea

A victim of the winds of fate – lost sight of who was me.

 

The vision for a life well lived with love and peace and hope

Was there inside me all the time, I finally grabbed the rope.

Standing at the vessel's helm – no time for shame or blame

Unchartered waters lay ahead - new life is mine to claim.

 

 

The Unveiling

 

Cloak of sickness wrapped so tight

protection to the core,

Being weak and helpless

the life I lived before.

Cloak of sickness 'round my heart

no hurts, my body's veil,

Expressing feelings through the ache-

this method couldn't fail.

Cloak of sickness shut me down

my life came to a halt,

God's Voice spoke and beckoned me

'There isn't any fault.'

Cloak of sickness pull the string

untie the knot and whirl--

Dancing, singing living life

as layers now unfurl.

Cloak of sickness there's no need

let health and joy regale--

Let in the sun, the wind the rain

your new course now set sail.

Cloak of sickness, fear and doubt

a human cloak this veil--

Come dance with Me and live with Me

With Me you'll never fail.

Cloak of sickness fold with love

for now you hold the key--

To live a life with passion

and Be all you're meant to Be.

 

 

The River of Love

 

As the river of love flows through my veins

Wash away all the fear where impurity reigns.

To have known and explored all the depths of my soul

Resurface – breathe deep – and know I am whole.

I hungered and sought and I could not see

Your Love and Your Spirit run deep within me.

Energy, passion, belief in what's True

Confidence, strength in all that I do.

Sparkling, shimmering, vibrant – alive

Feeling each heartbeat – much more than survive!

Release all the anger, no longer hold back

Abundance and joy – from my old self no flack.

Embrace all life's wonder – the magic – surprise

Unveiled every day through Your loving eyes.

 

 

Infectious

 

Fear of the virus, afraid to hold and touch

Starved for affection and ached for so much.

You touched my soul and You held me near

You whispered 'Trust, I'm here, never fear'.

The power of love and transformed by Grace

Alone with You safe in this holy place.

Delight fills my soul people now drawn to me

Your love shines through for the whole world to see.

 

 

Cast Off

 

Paralyzed, on the couch, could not move or dress-

Dependent on others my life was a mess!

An image – a feeling I knew it was You

To rescue my soul, to help pull me through!

 

Beard flowing white no body just face

So tender so young – to feel touch of Grace.

You took my hand no hand to hold -

Enfolding, embracing as life would unfold.

 

Vision – hallucination – reality or dream

The pleasure of this image in blues, white and cream.

Grow still and listen,there's nothing to fear

Direction and Guidance Your Presence now here.

 

Release all the doubt, internal wars cease

Let Your hand calm my mind, breathe in all Your peace.

The portal of life can now open wide

While love and forgiveness flow freely inside.

 

You lovingly place the buoys for me

Razor sharp eyes only You do I see.

Forsaking all else no two masters I serve

Feeling Your love heals muscle and nerve.

 

My tears overflow as the Truth I can feel

I'm blessed with the knowledge – YOU ARE SO REAL!

A warmth which spreads through me, Pure essence I know

Allows me to shed the past and now grow.

 

And my prayer is simple, stay connected to You

And follow Your Voice in all that I do.

Let's christen this boat and cast off from shore

Set sail for a new world right outside my door!

 

 

Charting the Course

 

Stand before the white board, filled with thoughts so dark and drear

Anxiety, worry, panic and doubt – uncomfortable gnawing fear.

 

Healing tears erase the words, the board is now wiped clean

What thoughts replace those darkest clouds for years that I had seen.

 

Look outside the cabin door, a perfect sea and sky

The marker moves across the board recording thoughts that fly.

 

“Don't stop or pause it's time to launch these changes now you'll find

They'll lead you to the path of peace and joy of every kind.”

 

“And others now will join you as your love can overflow

The maps I set before you guide to where you need to go.”

 

 

 

A Moment of Doubt

 

Doubt that I am healthy

Doubt that I am whole

Voices from the past regale

And fester in my soul.

Doubt the new found choices

Doubt I can succeed

Voices unrelenting

On the past they frenzy feed.

 

“But do you not believe Me?

You're My child, it's the Truth

Why listen to the voices that are

Haunting from your youth?

My Love can lance that boil

Then cleanse with healing tears

Releasing all the joy in life

And wash away the fears.

 

Expanding Love no room for doubt

Embrace my gifts to you

TRUST, BELIEVE AND LOVE YOURSELF

no matter what you do.”

 

Breathe Love through the contractions

Rebirth – a new life's song

Sometimes the past can overwhelm

With You I can be strong!

Join forces with the army

Of people who surround

Who Love my very essence and

See treasures which abound!

 

And share with them the bounty

Abundant Love so pure

To triumph over challenge

To know that Love's the cure!

 

 

Not a Shred of Doubt

 

Worries blind me to the Kingdom You prepare for me

Blinded by the others and the Truth I cannot see.

Churning in the stomach acid juices lies of doubt

With restless thoughts, a screaming mind how can I drown this out?

 

You taught me what's important – You hold me as Your child

Why do I fight Your hold on me with arms and legs so wild?

Cling to what's familiar – You've heard it all before

You're patient with this mortal on the threshold of Your door.

 

The list of doubts I've written on a list from me to You

Off balance and my missteps guiding everything I do.

I bought a paper shredder – its teeth my loving friend

Back in the swim – the flow of life on You I now depend.

 

You are the loving Bridegroom as You sweep me in Your arms

Forget the world around me with its snake enchanting charms.

Coursing through my body let all this passion flow

Undam the Force that knows no bounds and let my freedom grow.

 

Wedding Vows

 

Honor, love, respect and cherish every part of me

Living in communion – no 'sickness' can there be.

Obey my heart and hear my soul in joy each day I live

Patient, kind, above all love, to me I freely give.

 

Vow to live my life with God and live a life in peace

This love can freely sail the world - world's love can then increase.

 

 

Take the Plunge

 

The water beckons to me somehow it knows my name

And all the fears inside me - they're now time to tame.

 

Toes are pointed over edge, there's no turning back

Throw over all the baggage – jealousy and lack.

 

No walls to confine me – I'm authentic me

Gentle winds now beckon – to set my Spirit free.

 

Stand with the sun poised straight and tall, dive into love and trust

The moment all that matters, past future merely dust.

 

 

Prayer for a Joyous Voyage

Let go the drama which numb soul and heart

 

Sift through debris, – a new voyage to start.

 

The world around chaos – inside find peace

Radiate peace let all chaos cease.

 

A message of love the only way that I know

To counter the hate - bring this world a new glow.

 

Let's join together flint upon stone

To spark love and joy – no more travel alone.

 

Create a new vision – a new message to tell

Join voices of Love – create heaven not hell.

 

We have the power the Truth deep inside

An exciting adventure, a joyous life ride.

 

 

Peace at the Shore

Such peace and quiet a calm in the air

Time for love prayers from my heart to share.

Sending out blessings of healing and hope

The life raft attached to God by Her rope.

 

Feel God deep within, only sounds that I need

Come from the Source, to Her Voice I heed.

The gentle breeze flowing, the seagulls on wing

Birds in full chorus God's message they sing.

 

For friends who are ill I praise them in health

For friends poor in Spirit, to them I send wealth.

For friends in despair, loving joy do I send

And give thanks to God that our souls can now mend.

 

No cell phones or emails let silence abound

To pray for my loved ones and all who surround.

Knowing each message I send out today

Will light paths with Peace without any delay.

 

 

The Gift in a Sneeze

 

How many times we say it, “God bless” and walk away

What a cherished gift we send blessing every day.

To praise and bless, the greatest gift we can ever share

Invoking our Creator's name to show how much we care.

When we bless one we're blessing all for we're all bound by Love

Reminded of our Oneness, a sneeze gives us that shove.

 

 

The Bridge Game

 

Come to the table join the foursomes in the game

Everyone is different, no two are quite the same.

Partners must communicate while not a word is said

Work together as a team or your bid is dead.

 

Sharing love and laughter - the mood and tone are set

Where Love trumps every single card and wins in every bet.

Use this trump card and you'll find the bridge is always built

A new world filled with love and hope with no more shame or guilt.

 

Unfurl the Sails

 

Brush off another's judging – can't let it stick on me

Nor shall I judge another, I want us to sail free.

For underneath a stinging word - an ache which needs to heal

Tears and joy can flow instead and love we now can feel.

Laugh and love– the time has come to set our compass straight

Unfurl our sails forgive the past release the angst and hate.

God's wind to guide through life we sail horizon endless sky

Peace descends we hoist the sails on freedom's course we fly.

 

The Fuel of Life

 

“Celebrate each day I give

With love you always fully live.”

 

To everyone and everything this fuel of life I bring

When life seems darkest without hope, that's the time to sing.

 

Trust in Me and follow Me the joy you'll always find

Celebrate and dwell in Me to feel your peace of mind.