Lent Poem (Written on 2/16/24)

Lent Poem - 2/16/24

Earth, long dead and wet, groans like crude floorboards.   

Trees wring their wrists, shedding rain, shedding death,

while the wind pierces the woods with a sword.

Pausing on the path to gather my breath,

I contemplate the seasons; how the Lord

grants golden and airy summers to some

while suffering is others’ sole reward.

Yet in the pitch of night, we taste cake crumbs,

savor spoons of honey, are kissed by grace.

And on lush afternoons, our hearts may bend towards

pride, sacrificing inner growth to save face.

Most days are pain and joy, strung in accord,

so right now, I will choose to kneel and sing,

learning to receive winter, and pray for spring.