Call Your Spirit Home

This poem is a retelling and interpretation of a story I heard from another patient at ICFR. Although this poem specifically details a story of a man finding devotion in Christianity, I wrote it as a general statement about finding one’s spiritual calling and connection to a higher power.

The story that inspired this poem concerned one patient’s father-in-law, a man who devoted the latter years of his life to rebuilding churches following a near-fatal car accident in which he was under the influence of alcohol. I feel that an overwhelming majority of modern-day perspectives regarding religion are negative. I understand that the basis of these perspectives is rooted in the all-too-common hatred founded upon religious doctrine, especially within Christianity.

However, I believe in the importance of finding significance within one’s spirituality, or even lack thereof. If this process leads one to act in virtue towards others and to dedicate themselves to just causes, then I see no drawbacks to engaging in spiritual reflection.

The title of this poem holds two meanings. To “call one’s spirit home” is to reclaim and retrieve it, but also to reside and feel comfort in one’s soul. I believe we should all strive to feel at home within ourselves and to dedicate our being to something that is larger than ourselves.