The Humble Man Prays

Photo: Sunlight Through Dirty Window

David Barrett

(used courtesy of artist)

“A man who is truly humble cannot despair, because in the humble man there is no longer any such thing as self-pity.” Thomas Merton

I am like this window

streaked with rain,

obscured by

blowing dust,

neglected

yet holding firm

against the wind.

I know

that some fine, clear day

you’ll open

the door,

wipe my sins away

and clean at last

I’ll dissolve

into your holy face.

(10 Nov. 2012)

Ordination

“What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.”  Thomas Merton

+

deep in this cathedral

love resounds

through the bright air

of paradise

love rebounds

playful, full of

prayer.

Oh, hear the organ’s

profundo ring
laughter

as love pierces

your living heart

as, prostrate,

love breaks open

your breathless soul.

(18 November 2013 on the ordination of my brother)

May Rain

“Let the one who thirsts come forward.” Rev, 22.

gentle rain

glistens on gray concrete

and makes pools

of shimmering silver,

clean and new.

the rose reaches

to the grey sky

asking only for drops

of life.

the green earth asks

and receives.

(7 May 2016)

Vespers (you are near)

You are near

though I cannot see 

your face.

Your voice I hear.

Your gentle breath

moves to quiet passion

the bare limbs

of your beloved trees.

I hear you say

that you love me.

Your darkness 

I embrace;

for me you wait

in the rising night

with endless gift

of eternal light.

(28 Jan 2012)