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)