BEHOLD I FALL

 

Behold I fall:

Through the spider’s web of cliches,

Through the paper promises,

Through the question marks at midnight,

Through the lazy hopefulness,

I fall.

 

Through the cold unbidden nightmares,

Through the ash of yesterday,

Through the structures of the statements,

Through the stairs foundationless,

I fall.

 

Into love invisible

I fall.

 

Into star-strong certain hope

I fall.

 

Into nail-pierced hands

that hold me fast

I fall.

 

Into alleluias strung across the sky

I fall.

 

Not without fear, and yet with burning joy,

Till the great clamour ceases

And the resting place is found,

Held by the love that called me,

Calls me

Home,

To the centre of all things

Beyond all whirling worlds,

To him

I safely

Fall.

 

Paper Plate

 

I am a paper plate

To bear the bread of Life;

I am the ass that walks

Through the crowd’s palm-scattered strife.

 

I am the song He sings

Through lips that are fumble-dumb;

When He would feed the world

I am a tiny crumb.

 

Make me a burning bush

Though I am sore afraid.

You are the tongue of flame

I am the dead wood laid.

 

You who can unmake worlds

Let me show forth your light

Even in this small space

Glowing in self’s despite.

 

Though I in silence stand

Let all I say and do

Sing of the love I’ve found

Sing what is truly true.

 

Here at the cross’s foot

Here all is holy ground

Here where God meets with man,

Here is your mercy crowned.