Night of His Birth

Before you are the gates of Bethlehem
The journey is nearly over
And your time is fast approaching
Joy engulfs the heart
The tiny baby that blessed your womb will soon be your arms
There is no fear that you and your husband will have no place to stay
God will provide
You belly moves
A star shines brightly overhead
Joseph it is time

Sweet Bread

My hands grow tired from kneading the dough
Over and over I ask Mama Mary to pray for me
The sweet bread has to be right

The house is dark
The sweet bread Mama made is waiting for me
In my white dress, red sash, and a wreath with candles on my head
I wake the house up and deliver sweet bread to my parents and my brother

This is the first year without Mama
St Lucy was her patron saint and on her feast day it became our mini Christmas
I miss her so
The house is dark, the only light, candles
The sweet bread has to be right

Sun Dance

In the pouring rain I stood
As a nonbeliever
The clouds above, dark brooding
Three small children promised the lady would come
Time moved slowly
Frustration brimmed at the surface
I decided to go home
Dry off
Read the paper
Once my watch reached the bottom of my pocket
The rain stopped
Clouds parted to make room for the sun
In that miraculous moment
The sun danced
It looked like a child's toy in the sky
The belief that had been long gone returned
My ties replaced with the collar
The pocket watch replaced with the Rosary
My cynicism replaced with joy for Our Lady

Memorial Mass for Mother Teresa

Today on the feast day of St Teresa of Calcutta, I am reminded of the memorial mass I attended for her in London 22 years ago. This mass, celebrated by Cardinal Hume was truly Spirit filled. I remember kneeling on marble for nearly half an hour and the marble feeling like a cloud. I remember the breathtaking incense and the peaceful silence. Anytime I get bored at mass, my thoughts go back to that glorious London night where I truly got a taste of heaven.

St Teresa of Calcutta pray for us.

Our Lady's Slipper: Prayer/ Poetry/ and the Saints

As a unwed pregnant mother, Mary willingly and enthusiastically went to her cousin Elizabeth so she could be there in her time of need. I love this story. Elizabeth asks Mary how could the mother of her Lord come to see her. Mary loves all of her children and wants to help us. In the past several years I have experienced deep depression and a profound sense of loneliness. I have found that praying the rosary has helped me tremendously. I would like to encourage those few that have glanced at this blog to consider making the sign of the cross and discover or rediscover the mysteries. I will still post a poetry piece every Friday, but most days I will concentrate on prayer, the saints and words of encouragement for those that need it. I have asked God to bless this blog and those who join me in this celebration of Our Lady.

Drops of Blood

Drops of blood fall on the table

She puts the needle and fabric down, and puts on a band-aide

Her third one for the night

It’s late

She’s practically seeing double

Stopping isn’t an option

Her daughter needs the dress for her recital in the morning

She’s a mother

Her job is to insure her daughter has all she needs

She’ll be thanked for the dress

Not the time

She looks at the clock, 1:00am

Eight more hours till the recital

Beautiful Girl

I’ve been told I’m a child of God

I’ve also been told I ain’t nothing special

Some days I don’t know who to believe

My birthday’s in a week

I’ll be eight

Mama asks me what I want

She don’t look to happy when I told her I want a pretty blond haired doll

Please. Please. Please.

She takes a big gulp from her coffee mug and sends me to bed

I know she had other ideas and there wasn’t no use trying to get her to change her mind

When my birthday came

Mama got me a book of fairy tales and a doll that looked like me

The doll was pale with bright orange hair and freckles painted on her nose

The orange hair made her look ugly

I was upset and angry until Mama read me the card that came with it.

My sweet Agatha

I made this doll for you, and just like you she’s beautiful in every way.

Your smile brightens my days. Your laughter fills my world with joy.

Go out and spread joy to the world,

Love, Mama

Little Miracle

My sweet baby how I love you
Words I tell my darling girl
My gift from God
How I feared her arrival
How frightened I was to be a mother
As I hold her close to my heart
Rocking her in my arms
My heart swells
Do I deserve such a precious gift from My Lord?
I close my teary eyes and thank Jesus for this miracle of life

Looking Through God's Eyes

What do you see?
Nothing
Look closer
Nothing
You are blind
No
Try to see with the eyes of God
Impossible
Try
Imagine
What do you see now?
Beauty
That's how God sees you.