TAKING OFF OUR SHOES

The smooth touch
Of cold marble
Beneath the pilgrim feet
Bloodied in the ascent

We have taken off

And left our shoes outside

With our weapons

Our strength and proud boasts

In the cool of the sanctuary

We are introduced again

To the pure nakedness of birth

Entering into life

Surrendering again to love

Adoring Him

The old woman
Pours water unbidden

On my feet

Cleansing, soothing balm

Drenching the soul

She is Christ to me

And I the beloved resting
Near to the heart

The Crowning

No longer

Will I

Bear it

On my own

I will no longer

Wear it all alone

I will let you

Take a thorn

From my crown

The crown upon

My head

The thorn

Of my mistake

The crown

Of my disgrace

And shame

The veil that covers

My face

No longer need I

Hide from You

For ours the crown

And ours the thorn

One the blood

We share

We die one death

We live one life

And one the heart

That carries

Every other

My Dearest Friend

He lays me to rest

In the garden

Where dew falls

At dawn

And pines

That shade the scorching noon

Grasp the whispering wind

Where the setting sun

The stars and rising moon

Glance gently

He feeds me Milk

To still the child

And Wine

To take away man’s pain.

Coming in

He breathes softly

On my face

His tears

A living Spring

To wash my wounds

Speaking, urging gently

Rest my love

Drink deep and sleep

My dearest friend

Till we are I

CONCERTINA

Stretch my soul
Concertina-like

Till I am all
But pulled asunder

Two Godly hands
Playing upon my willingness

Squeezed to the point
Of breathlessness

Native notes fingered
A sound of rare beauty

Bouncing on delighted knees
And He the master musician

All bent upon his instrument

With ear intent