THEOTOKOS

GOD BEARER

(Prayer before an Icon)

Are you the one

Who looked at me

With disapproving eyes?

Or was it me myself

Whose shame deflected

My gaze quickly lest

I catch the glimpse

Of God’s compassion?

You saw me strive and struggle

You witnessed the moment

She had me on the plank

Thrusting the lance

Into the very gut of me

Conducting pain upwards

Through heart and body

My mind splintering

She said I needed

To be crucified

In order to progress

It seemed to delight

Her in some strange way

That I cannot share

Will not share!

Because I am still a child

Of truth

And there remains

Strong protest in me

You said it was grace

You said I would never

Be the same again

I know I am not

What I used to be

I am not former

I am older now

Much older

And your eyes

Seem kinder

(if yet a little sad)

Or is it me myself

Whose gaze lingers

Longer?

Long enough to see

Your own dear Son

Reflected there

That I might become

The One whom I behold

(Prayer Room Thurles September 5, 2016)