I've grown tired in my old age
At one time, I could walk that two mile stretch like I was walking from my front porch to the garden
But now I rest every few steps
The work I've done all these years have twisted my bones
I dream of sleep and beg Jesus to awaken me with a kiss in the morning
It was during Lent, my soul began to itch
I used to watch old ladies in black kneel down before a shrine to pray
You see them weeping
Beating their chests with a rosary wrapped around their hands
I wonder what they pray for?
More years
Death
Forgiveness for a sin that happened so long ago nobody remembers except her and God
Once I saw a woman kneel and pray before a shrine that was nailed to a tre
Nothing unusual about that, except we all thought this woman was a witch, or crazy
She was praying for sanity, no dobut
I want my life to begin
I'm told these dry times are good, spiritual
Like walking with Jesus in the desert
Well, my legs hurt, I'm thirsty, and I'm not God
But I do know in my simple kitchen mind that all things- good things come from God
From my mother's garden, I make a garland and walk solemnly in the forest, kneel on hard ground and pray
No tears fell
No voices heard
Silence, only silence
I left the garland as an offering, hoping Mary would find it acceptable
The walk home was slow
Halfway through the forest, Jesus took my hand
And together we walked home on a new path
God painted the world grey today
The ocean water is as still as bath water
Still and frightening
As if it reflects my soul after a vague confession and a vague absolution
I'm Martha ignoring my daughter's theological questions
From the front seat, driving is a far better concern at the moment
"I shall be a nun."
Words that seem to come from the Holy Spirit
If I had $100, I would give $110 to the poor
"Where would the extra $10 come from?"
"You, or I don't know someone or maybe even Jesus will just give it to me."
Are you nervous?
Do I look it?
No, but you hummed the whole way.
You'll get a good education here while I work.
Oh Robert, why would you do that? Now you're all wet. What am I going to say?
I'm sorry Mama
I need this job. Your father left us with nothing
I know you're sad.
Did you enhoy the bread and butter this morning? Charity. Charity.
Come hell if high water, I'm going to connect you to the right people.
So you can be better than the kids that hang out on the street.
I don't ming scrubbing toilets if it means my son can study with the rich kids. That filth is a small price to pay.
Sing to me a melody of angels up above
Let the tune wash away doubt and fear
May my eyes see only what will feed my soul
And if I should be put to death by suffocation and steam
Place upon my tongue hymns of praise
For my executioners know not the joy and ecstasy that await me
It was a simple gesture, but it meant the world at the moment
On a long hallway, well long for one all of two
He stands alone
It's what happens when you drop your loop and decide to conquer the world on your own
For 40 seconds no conquering occurred
Just blank stares wondering how to get back to safety or at least familiarity
Jesus loves his little ones and the separation doesn't last long
So his little prayers were answered, only it wasn't his sweet teacher
But a little girl holding another loop in another class
She offers her hand and tells him in a clear voice of nearly perfect diction, an impressive feat for a young lady of only 3 to take her hand
He accepts
Hand in hand and loop by loop they walk
