Infect Joy

Last night's post and the beginnings of my research about AIDS, rape, and abuse of African women and children is tearing at my heart today. I have a feeling of helplessness when I think about the immensity of the problem -- yet its also peppered with the hope of the gospel. Often words fall far short of conveying our hearts -- so, 2 poems seem most appropriate for today's reflection. The first is from Gluck, the second is quite personal.

“This is how you live when you have a cold heart.
As I do: in shadows, trailing over cool rock,
Under the great maple trees.” - Louise Gluck

Infect Joy

From
the giver of Life
Flows
the blue blood, now

Contaminated
not by them, but by
Sin
of others, of whom they know

Nothing
of, regardless the children
Rejoice
abundantly the women – Tamar and Dinah –
Caress

Away the fears of the
night
The darkness, the triple
blackness
The skin, the fear, the night

Always
defeated – the taker of
Life.

Fulfilled, ascended, seated – new
Life
Given to the takers and the givers
Alike
Offering of grace; surpassing all
Sin.

For now, we wait, we hope, we
Wish
For now we sing with shining
Light.


To dance
On my heart. With the flow of a
Fuete.
Tallchief and Terpsichord – never
Trample
But – Glide with grace.

In time – be healed – beloved.
To hold, to keep
Still, too cold to sleep—
Let go, beloved
Dream.

Of New mercies – with the
Morning.
Of New joys – with the noonday
Sun.
Wake Up.
Live.
Let go.


Wipe the goop from your lashes and
See
This day with retrained eyes.
Its here –


The lilies,
The lightness,
The likeness to Thee.