star of the sea

edge of night,

cold consuming

blackening hills,

clears barely

the deepening ridge

bright tears -

star of the sea.

Confession

I’m an unworthy vessel,
a rusty cup.

I foul your pure wine
with my common
corruption,

and yet
unreasonably
you fill me up again.

Brimful with your
glittering love
I become
a golden chalice
to hold your sacred
blood.

Night Rises

“There is not a flower that opens, not a seed that falls into the ground, and not an ear of wheat that nods on the end of its stalk in the wind that does not preach and proclaim the greatness and mercy of God to the whole world.

There is not an act of kindness or generosity, not an act of sacrifice done, or a word of peace and gentleness spoken, not a child’s prayer uttered, that does not sing hymns to God.”

Thomas Merton, “Friday Psalm Prayer,” A Book of Hours

night rises

from the still-warm earth

climbs rough trunks to

higher planes

to where leaves still burn

in golden flames.