Mabel

The Rev. Canon Dr. James M. McPherson

 

Mabel always beams when I arrive

in the dementia ward; and starts

her replay loop:

I’m Church of England I been

Church of England all my life

the Rector used to come

for tea and pumpkin scones

I’m Church of England I been

Church of England all my life …

Seemingly beyond all human reach

yet I have seen her deeply moved

by small things like a flower, or

kindly touch, or prayerful skerrick

of wine-dipped wafer, her

caved-in smile signalling God

unthwarted by the mind’s demise

 

10 July 2013

 

© the Revd James M McPherson

 

Maryborough Qld