Thursday, December 5, 2013

The Old Tree (Poetry)


THE OLD TREE
(…that Christ may dwell
in your hearts through faith,
as you are being
rooted and grounded in love.
Ephesians 3:17)
Elizabeth, old and barren,
unmet expectations,
finished, left out to dry—
left to dry out.

Unexpected treasure,
the sap still flows,
the old tree
still flowers and bears fruit.

Grateful for deep roots,
ring upon ring –
the golden years
that surprise us still.

Life’s not over ‘til it’s over.
The matron’s voice still strong
belts out her song to the young:
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

Time comes,
the Crone gives birth.
Glory to the Ancient One
Who yields new life.


(Week 1: Birthing the Holy: Celtic Spirituality Retreat for Advent
Christine Valters Paintner, in preparation for Pilgrimage to Ireland, 2014
Sunday, December 1, 2013)


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