Unstuck
What has been
Holding you back
I promise you this
It’s all in your head
Fear, anxiety and doubt
It looms over you
Daring you to fight a bout
Will you
Accept the challenge
Or will you
Forfeit the match
What do you need
To go toe to toe
And face
Those big liars
Call on your strength
Call on your courage
Ask God for help
Your weakness is his strength
Remember his promises
Stand up
Lift up your head
Face what frightens you
God will carry the day
And you will know
There is always a way
John Hamlett
9/21/24
What is Death?
Everyone dies
It is inevitable
So why do we fear it?
Do you believe that death is the end?
When the last inhaled breath
Leaves the lungs
Do you believe death brings peace?
No more pain, no more worry
Finally just rest, just rest
Can death be a transformation?
Do we have a spirit, a soul?
What happens when the heart stops?
Will I open my eyes
And see reality
For what
It really is?
Or will I sleep forever
Taking all my secrets
And hopes and dreams with me?
Only you know Lord…
John Hamlett
9/19/24
Don’t grieve anything you lose (inspired by Rumi)
Don’t grieve anything you lose
It comes round in another form
Drink in the beauty of creation
Let your eyes consume
Every form and color
Let your fingers sense
The smooth and the rough
Taste the wine of many grapes
Hear the delicious sounds
Made by voice, instrument and nature
Open your heart to feel
All of your emotions
Don’t be afraid
Love
With all of your being
Leave no desire
Unexplored
Remember feelings are dynamic
They will always come and go
Live your life without regret
Accept yourself and your choices
Accept others and their choices
Know that all wounds can be healed
Let the unquenchable
Flame of love
Consume all
Your hurt and fear
John Hamlett
1/11/25
Which One am I (inspired by Rumi)
I wonder from these
Thousands of me
Which one am I?
So many parts
True and false
Shadow and ego
Excited, happy, exuberant, joyful, ecstatic
Sadness, sorrow, fallen, despair
Loving, caring, kind, generous, empathetic
Selfish, fearful, distaining, disgust
Can a human truly serve
Only one master
Am I destined for
Internal conflict always
Where is the love, the grace, the mercy
Can I receive and can I give
Which one am I now?
King, warrior, magician, lover
Allow me to embrace
The divine within
Help me see through
The shame filled shadow self
I beg to surrender
My artificial self
Open my eyes to see
Myself
Through your eyes
John Hamlett
1/11/25
Whirling Dervish (inspired by Rumi)
Spinning, turning
Flowing in and out
What is real, what is true
What is deep, what is shallow
Sometimes slow and smooth
Sometimes turbulent
Always moving, always going
Journey without end
Pause the rapids
Churning up my insides
Will I ever find rest
A tranquil place
The good is so good
Leaves us thirsting for more
Will the empty hollow
Ever be filled
Just a quiet place
My soul longs for rest
Release the captives
Freedom is at hand
At last, at last, at last
The journey comes full circle
John Hamlett
1/10/25
The River of My Life
When I was young
The water of my stream
Was a beautiful emerald blue
Clear, deep and revealing
The sun’s light would penetrate
Illuminating the rocks and fish
But a heavy thunderstorm
Washed in soil, sticks and leaves
Creating a murky muddy
Where nothing could be seen
The storms kept coming
I thought my stream
Would never be
Clear and clean again
Eventually the rains stopped
The sun returned
There was peace and clarity once again
Yet the sky grew dark again
The storms were stronger
Creating a raging flood
Washing away all the beauty and peace
The landscape was changed forever
Would the beauty
Grace this plain again?
A long came a gardener
Whose gift was to sense
The former beauty
Of this desolate place
She paused and wept
She was silent and still
Slowly a light
Emanating from her heart
Began to illuminate her body
Wherever she walked
Whatever she touched
New life sprang forth
Trees and flowers from the dirt
Water was purified emerald blue
All living creatures
Danced a celebration
Birds burst into song
Life was restored
Why did you doubt?
John Hamlett
1/11/25
Hidden Warrior
Where are you?
Great warrior hidden within
I long to see you face
To sense your strength and courage
Where have you been hiding?
Just beyond my reach
Withholding your great secrets
My ears are burning with desire
I know that you are ancient
Guarding sacred wisdom
Passed down from courageous ancestors
Seeking one who is worthy
I believe you are a part of me
I have witnessed your brilliant flashes
But your flames are quickly quenched
Like the last embers of a fire
I have needed you
Throughout my life
So many meaningful moments
I could not access your courage
You were paralyzed by my fear and doubt
Finally erupting in scorching anger
Hurting the ones most dear
To my aching broken heart
Help me embrace
Fear, hurt and disappointment
Heal my weeping wounds
Tend them with your soothing salve
Give me ears to hear
Your thundering gentle voice
Speak the sacred words
My soul is thirsting for
Breathe your sacred flames
Rekindle my cold heart
Awaken my weakened spirit
Raise up my wounded soul
Empower the sacred warrior
Break through the fortress of shame
Liberate the true voice of life
Reclaim the role of defender
John Hamlett
11/8/25
John Hamlett, M.Ed., M.Div., LPC, LMFT 