Oneness of Water
A sea away and centuries ago, Jesus stood where the gentle Jordan flows. Immersed in covenant He went below, Bathing in faith; and claimed by God, He rose. Still does the Jordan glide and rise as rain, Circle the world and fall to wet the clay, Run from rock, seep through loam again, And fill the well from which I drink today. Water is one, above or of the sea, Water within the thought and through the Word; The wave He rode re-forms and washes me, Swells to the flood and laves me to my Lord.
Petition of a Lesser Tree
Carpenter, can you work with me? I know I was never a noble tree; Where others have stood to the wind, I bent. One of my sides shows the weevils' intent. This limb is stunted, that one is split From reaching for more than was good for it; Knots like mine blunt a carpenter's plane And the heart of me harbors a darker grain. But I'd like to believe I was good for more Than deepening duff on the forest floor, For I have some idea of what wood can become When hewn to the level and braced to the plumb. And I know that a carpenter's eye knows how To discover the board in a crooked bough; Only his hands and the carpenter know Just what the wedge and the mallet can show. So if in my length there is one good beam That will fit in a master carpenter's scheme, Measure my timber, gauge and explore, Peel off my blemishes, pare to the core, Tool to your tolerance, work till I'm true; Then show me the job you have fit me to do. And there where you place me, long may I stand, Shaped to the will of the carpenter's hand.
Benediction at Pruning Time
(on seeing a vineyard set out on crosses) Pinioned in the sun, this vine succors at its heart the abounding ichor to burrow root and twine tendril far past this day's wounding, arboring scaffold with such grace of green and intricate design that wreathéd beam is ripening place of fruit for our sacramental wine.
Creed For Latter Magi
That brilliant star whose memory we mark, Alone and looking backward in the dark, That star is gone; yet spent will shine again: The once and future sign from Bethlehem Is echo and gleam of Advent yet to be. And here we watch--more patient Magi, we-- The light that was and shall be in our skies Receding yet, and as yet beyond our eyes. Look back in fondness, look ahead in joy All you who watch. This faith we must employ As, waiting here, between two lights we stand: The nearer yet will be the Son of Man.
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