AT A DOMINICAN RETREAT, BLACKFRIARS

I listened as the words dropped
Lightly in the air, circling me
With the story that unfolded of
Love lived lately by the
Dying man – not man alone, this,
But God, offering his life for us.
Suddenly the words faded and
I found myself in the crowd
At the foot of the cross –
The sweating bodies, jostling
For a place to see this dying.
I knew the dread, saw the face
Of Jesus, awful in its suffering,
Beyond understanding in its acceptance.
Then it was gone and I was back
In the warm room, the voice reading on.
But I WAS there with Christ
However briefly, sharing his passion.
A sense of loss pervaded me, but I WAS there
With my Lord, feeling his passion,
Knowing his life, absorbing his love.

JEB

For more information on these poems, contact edmund@balnaves.org