Celebrating "One Light" this MLK Day

On Monday night, I was deeply honored to be recite my poem “One Light” at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Vigil. I was commissioned to write it by the International Cities of Peace and Heartfulness Institute. I shared it just after a beautiful group meditation practice—and just before the closing candle-lighting ritual. In that sacred moment, surrounded by stillness and intention, the poem felt less like something I wrote and more like a prayer for unity that revealed itself in community.

Inspired by the many people who expressed that they were deeply moved by the piece, I decided to make “One Light” available as a free digital download. You can get it here.

It is a poem of declaration—that beneath all our differences, stories, and seasons, we are made of the same light. When one of us shines, we all are illuminated. When one of us heals, the whole heals too. If you’re longing for unity, grounding, or a gentle return to what connects us, I hope this poem meets you right where you are.

I’d also love to invite you to join me this Friday at 7:00 pm at the Center for Spiritual Living Simi Valley Open Mic, where I’ll be reading my poetry live in community. Do you have favorite topic(s) you like to hear poetry about?

If you can’t attend in person, I’ll be live on Instagram—and the reading will be saved at @sonyakayblakegallery.