John

Pat Marsh

9 December 2016

John

 

as his silence sunk deeper
but his loving grew tender

            mystery

 

after years of barren longing
and a lifetime of waiting

            the unthinkable

 

when hope had receded
and shame taken hold

            a tentative

           glimmer of joy

 

as blood issue ceased
and mornings held sickness

           gratitude

 

when new life stirred
and her ageing body swelled

           wonder

 

as Mary approached

and the child within danced

           knowledge

 

as she birthed the tiny miracle

and a voice was unlocked

           absolute joy beyond joy

 

his name

is John

 

©Pat Marsh

Image  Mary and Elizabeth, Dorothy Webster (1884-1970)

Pat is a writer and retreat leader. She was a Vaughan Park Scholar in 2010.