Here is the fifth of my five dialogues on the two great commandments. I described the whole sequence in this post. The poems are taken from my new book Parable and Paradox, available from Amazon or on order from any bookshop. do come to the launch at Girton college on 14th June at 5:15 if you are free. This sequence will also feature on my new record Songs and Sonnets. Click here to learn more and support that project if you wish. This final poem in the series reflects on what it might mean to love my neighbour as myself. As always you can hear the poem by clicking on the title or the play button.
Luke 10:27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
My neighbour as myself? I cannot learn
To love myself at all. I look away,
The dark glass only shames me and I burn
At what should never see the light of day.
I’ll be the judge of that, for in my light
Judgment and healing meet you equally.
The self you loathe is precious in my sight
And I will have you love it into me.
You and your neighbor, both must made whole.
Her heart’s as dark and needy as your own,
So you must love her in her hidden soul,
The very soul she’s trying to disown.
Love her as you are loved and you will find
Love is your heart, your soul, your strength, your mind.
Malcolm Guite 
I have been going through an incredibly difficult time of present and I have sat here today and listened to all the five responses you have written. These have been a healing, a soothing balm to my bruised soul, a calm wash of Living Water over my mind. Malcolm, you always know when to publish these and me to know when to listen! Thank you for this healing through your words through His.
Thanks Tracey I’m so glad these sonnets helped and came at the right time! M
This is lovely, Malcolm. I’m doing the prayers Sunday and will incorporate this sone way, some how! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks Katharine, that’s just what they’re for!
Yes! That helps me know who I am!art
Sent from my iPad
>