Thursday, May 12, 2016

The Humble Man Prays



“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)

Monday, May 9, 2016

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)


Saturday, May 7, 2016

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)

Sunday, May 1, 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)