Another poem in response to Old Monk by Mary Lou Kownacki. Obviously influenced by being on a silent retreat as I wrote it. Opening is from Psalm 90:12.
(Warning: language not appropriate for all audiences. Parental discretion advised)
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Lord, teach me to number my days
that I may turn my heart to wisdom.
The Cheyenne say
each person at birth
receives so many words.
When the words are finished,
so, too, the person.
A girl,
runs through the streets
thousands upon millions of times
shouting "F**k You!"
Until, with two words remaining,
she falls to her knees,
horrified and afraid.
Decade after silent decade
she walks,
seeking a heart still enough
to keep closed
her muted mouth.
Then, when an aged woman,
alone, but not lonely,
she whispers,
"Thank you,"
her spirit leaves on
her last breath
as her silent lips mouth
"Jesus."
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