Issue Date: August 1, 2003
POETRY
A Tank Full of Amen
Walking my walk, thinking my thoughts, I wander wonder
and stop to ponder
What is my gotta move gotta praise gotta
say yes word?
Some folks have the gift of full
throttle Amen.
They can call it out in the aisle like
theyd drive it down the highway -- that top down feeling with
the sunglasses on -- and everyone knows -- whoosh -- there goes a
soul who knows the thrill of freedom and a full tank of
gas.
Economy model clapping just doesnt have the same
release.
-- Sr. Kimberly M. King, RSCJ Grand Coteau, La.
-- Virginia Collins-English |
Picking Pears on the Fourth of July
It might have been the miracle of loaves and fishes, a pear
tree so laden we filled plastic and paper for preserves and relish to
carry to neighbors and friends.
Branches seemed to rest on the ground as
if Jesus commanded. Fruit spiraled about us like planets, we climbed
heavenward on ladders.
-- Stella Nesanovich Lake Charles, La.
|
Washington to Baghdad and Back
No to diplomacy
No to inspectors No to
allies No, my fellow Americans, to any more foolin around
No impish smart bombs No impolite tanks No uppity embeds No
imperial swagger
No wells on fire No signs of Saddam No nukes No
gas No thrax No matter So what
No lights No water No
drugs No arms No legs No heads
No clerks at desks No cops on the
beat No antiquities under glass No civilized society
No rose in
the rifle No parade for the victor No thanks from the crowd No easy
outta here
No to occupation No to freedom No to
democracy No to America
No war no war no war explodes Without
its lists of gnarling Nos
-- John Janitz Syracuse, N.Y.
Let Down Your Nets for a Catch
(Luke 5)
Not every shalt mentions the kickback
but
here the wages stare like fisheyes from the briny tale. Im
reminded again that all Gods commands are nets ready to burst with
fish (once I follow directions) till I swim in fish and
shout Enough! My equipments fragile and youre being too
generous again!
-- Sr. Patricia Schnapp, RSM Adrian, Mich.
|
National Catholic Reporter, August 1, 2003 |