You speak a word that prunes us: You love us, and we bleed. The mercy that renews us uproots us, thorn and weed. You cut away these branches— they're burned but not consumed. We're only dust and ashes, but you will make us bloom. You take our cold convictions, the vows we made and broke, wrung through your crucifixion, sung in the cockerel's crow, and turn them into mercy. Your alchemy redeems. The empty nets are bursting; the mortuary teems. You harrowed earth and heaven to draw us through the dark where thirty silver pennies shine out among the stars. The sea gives up its flotsam, and sweet now runs its brine. The briar crown has blossomed— dead branches drip with wine.
This is great!
Thank you!
Really liked this one, Kate 😊
Thank you!
Beautiful Kate. What's the reference to the thirty silver pennies about?
The thirty pieces of silver Judas was paid for betraying Jesus. I forget where I've seen them referred to as "pennies."
Ah, now I see it!
Such stunning beauty, Kate. Wow.
Thank you so much!
Love the rhythm and tone (and message).
Thank you!
Really beautiful, Kate! I love that last stanza “you harrowed earth and heaven
to draw us through the dark
where thirty silver pennies
shine out among the stars
It’s so well put
Thank you so much!
So beautiful
Thank you!