(Response to 2009 retreat)
Can we cross over
to where stones are prayers
bread is condolence
force is a feather duster
a place of pilgrims and picnics and prayer beads?
Can we share Abraham
share hearts and hip pain
share burdens
share the bus
share jokes
share the beautiful city of God
share the very breath of God?
Can we share the kingdom of God that we seek?
Can we find ninety nine paths to peace
through a desert
on land and sea
on a solid rock
at the lakeshore
in a dungeon
by the rivers of Babylon
through Immanuel's ground
in a world that is about to turn?
Can we find ninety nine paths to peace
wrapped in a shawl
covered in a burka?
Can we find ninety nine paths to peace
through the eyes of the heart
with drops of cool on killing flames
with morning songs and evening vespers?
Can we make ninety nine paths to peace
binding our hearts
speaking our joys abroad
seeking justice
loving kindness
walking humbly
standing firmly
envisioning
expecting
creating a new world
and holding it lightly?
Words from the Participants inspired by Stories from Evie Shellenberger, Singing Led by Lisa Guadea Carreno and Joanne Gallardo. Thanks Be to God.
