One of the prayer stations at church this week asked us to write a prayer of thankfulness, and I was thinking about a conversation with a wise friend the day before.
the best lessons are bittersweet
brightest light shining through blinding pain
loyalty learned through betrayal
constancy from questioning
strength from wrestling with angry angels
life is a stern teacher
wisdom comes at a cost
but it is harder to lose that way
she stalks her victim as a holy ghost:
a beautiful old woman with strong jaw,
wrinkled smile, and a flinty eye
she won’t ever leave you be
patient, kind, and ruthless
thanks be to God
Posted in: Common Table, grief, theodicy
Love this poem, although I hate how it resonates with me. I hope that this sorrow, wrestling, and heartache is working some wisdom.
I hope so too, Heather. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful and poignant piece.