The Invitation

• by Katie
• 5 months ago

I bought this book over a decade ago after opening it up and reading this poem. It has been the barometer I judge my relationships with since. When I feel myself straying to much from my own truth, I am reminded by these words.

• by Darleen Nelson
• 2 years ago

I can't remember when I copied this poem from somewhere, and I've been carrying it with me for years! Tonight I read it again and thought I'd look online to see who this was that wrote it. I want to tell Oriah how I've always thought this poem was most beautiful. Thank you.

• by Thenunn
• 3 years ago

I love this poem! I came across this when I was 15. It spoke to me like no one else had done. It resonated with my own thoughts and came to help me know that what I believed was not alien; others shared the same beliefs. Wonderful awakening!

• by Selma Oudemans
• 3 years ago

This poem is by far my favourite. So much so that I printed and framed it many years ago and it has a special place on my bedroom wall. The words resonate so deeply with me more than any other verse. I am yet to find a partner for whom these words also mean so much.

• by Nicqelle Hessick
• 3 years ago

It speaks volumes to my heart and where that ends in my heart travels deep into my soul. It gives me longing of my love of life and for another to love me back in this way. So deep and undeniable! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! I often revert back to it when it's been a while that I haven't read it. And I share it with people whom I love and care for. It gives me the same feeling each time I read it.
And I shout to the silver of the full moon, "YES!"

• by Wendi
• 3 years ago

This is a poem that goes deep into the soul. If your experience is simple, your answer is simple. If your experience is complicated, your answer is profound, from the depths of your soul.

• by Bontle Lekgoathi
• 4 years ago

This poem was one of the 1st conversations with my late manager who became my mentor and later my manager. She was a spirited being who really lived her truth and I'm thankful for the moments shared with her and introducing me to this poem and author.

• by Cath Ashton
• 4 years ago

My wonderful friend told me of "The Invitation" in 2015 when life was challenging for me. I have read it endlessly and more. It reminds me of true depth of the soul. I have told many about it, and most have been deeply touched by Oriah Mountain Dreamer's beautiful words. But for me, if someone wants to know who I am and what I stand for, I gently recommend they read "The Invitation."

• by Kusha Sharma
• 4 years ago

This poem means everything to me. I've perceived the meaning of this poem for so long, but I can't describe how immensely happy I am that someone put my feelings into words. It's simply beautiful. Thank you so much for this poem. I'll forever be grateful.

• by Joseph Woods
• 4 years ago

Twenty five years ago my future wife and I were getting to know each other on the phone. When we knew it was time to get together in person, my woman friend asked me to bring water from the gulf and she would bring water from the Pacific and we would pour the water together and create a personal ceremony for ourselves. "Oh yes" she said, "please bring a poem." We traveled the sacred lands of New Mexico and on a special day we stopped in the desert and created our ceremony. I began reading my poem, and I noticed she was smiling at me. I thought I was reading the poem, "The Invitation," very well and hoped to impress her. When she began to read her poem, I realized that she had brought the same poem! We have enjoyed many happy years together and we continue to enjoy hearing "The Invitation" read at many gatherings.

• by Priyanka
• 4 years ago

This poem is ageless because I feel any and every generation can connect to it. It stands still on life and phases that go through every moment. I just love it to the core.

• by Gloria Sylvester
• 5 years ago

"The Invitation" is the universe challenging us to remember who 'I am' in truth. It details the many distractions disguised as values to hold dear and goals to aim toward, chasing the externals while losing focus of our innate calling. It invites us to balance our masculine and feminine energies which brings us into harmony and oneness with the natural order of the universe of eternity, our calling, so that we may truly benefit from the "empty moments" without the experience of loneliness. I absolutely love this poem.

• by Saki Makume
• 5 years ago

A masterpiece! It comes from the heart and it really touched mine. It is saying to me to get real and stop being "plastic."

• by Larry Chenier
• 6 years ago

This poem stripped away all the layers of preservation I used to shield my insecurities, which have grown so comfortable through the many years only to expose my vulnerability. It defines so methodically the need to examine one's heart and soul all the way to the core. This genuine poet portrays so distinctly the importance to deeply capitulate your fears and be true to yourself and all else will fall in place as it should.

• by Katana
• 6 years ago

I love this more than words. I think of these words often, especially in times that I feel as though I haven't done much through the years, and I'm sweetly reminded that I HAVE done so much! I have gratitude for my experiences that overshadows the old pity-pot where I would frequently wallow. I have found love and together we frequently shout 'YES' at the moon. I have discovered power once lost, peace in times of war, and I have a love that is incomparable to what I thought possible. This poem rings in my ears when I feel any doubt, and reminds me of this journey and the resilience that reveals the reward at the end of any challenge, no matter the outcome!

• by Ashley Marilynne Wong
• 6 years ago

This poem speaks to me. It reminds me of the importance of getting to know myself, of staying true and of being introspective.

• by GeMa
• 6 years ago

A very meaningful poem for everyone, especially this generation who has become superficial at social gatherings. Everybody pretends to be better than the other, but inside we're only longing to be seen for who we are. I love it so much and have recommended it to friends and family. Giving it 5 stars.

• by Sangeeta Saha
• 6 years ago

The realistic and honest way the poet speaks from the heart touched me deep inside. It's a great inspiration for me to write in the same way in the future.

• by Solomon Samuel
• 7 years ago

I'm also a writer and compete in contests with great poets. I'm touched by this poem, and this poet is for sure one of the great ones.

• by Rohit Kumar
• 7 years ago

It is the 1st poem I have read on my own. And after reading it, I can definitely say one thing; it will not be the last.