Conversation {a #poem}
What did I do to deserve this? is the wrong ask.
Because you didn’t.
Do anything.
There is no quid pro quo/cash economy in this wide
invisible, Kingdom-filled world. The sunlight searching
between oak leaves, the slant of green on the birdbath,
chime of silver in the breeze. It’s all gift.
Like the sloppy kiss of a two-year-old or an unexpected
letter in the mail, you are worth surprising.
Don’t quibble with your questions, paint your Creator
God as an if/then Saviour. He is a because/when God.
Because you are mine, I will pour out my gracelings
when I want, to whom I want.
Just look up from time to time and say thanks.
That is always the correct answer.
6 Comments
Katie
“It’s all gift.”
YES, each time I come back to this something different stands out.
Gratefully,
Katie
Jody Lee Collins
I’ve heard Malcolm Guite speak often about good poetry, that it is both generative as well as generous. There are many layers to this poem, indeed, and I’m so glad that you saw something new when you read it.
Katie
“. . .you are worth surprising”
“Because you are mine”
Nancy Ruegg
Adding that question, “What did I do to deserve this?” does bring another dimension to our gratitude: awe. And I love that new word, “gracelings.” (At least it’s new to me.) Praise God every day is laced with gracelings! Thank you, Jody, for the graceling of your imagery-drenched poetry.
Amy Young
Jody, I love this poem! Thank you 🙂
Amy Young
Jody! I love this poem/prayer!!