amen

i found this beautiful expression of love today. I decided to take the liberty of re-posting it, only on my blog. it was written by a famous poet. i love you elaine, i hope you don't mind.....


The Other

l'Autre
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Belonging

I stopped saying, "Amen"
when others prayed.

I felt I no longer quite belonged.

But I still visited others,
I couldn't shut them out.
We played Canasta,
My sister comforted me
when I cried
and took me outside
to see the beauty
of the world
was still there.

Perhaps I could say "Amen" to that.

But I wasn't quite ready.
I had to struggle more,
finding each day who I was.
I had to find who I loved,
why I loved, how I loved.

I was thankful for so much, every day.

My mother began, when I was there
around a table with family
to ask me what I was thankful for,
then each person around the table
would also share their gratitude,
before doing it "their way,"
choosing someone to pray.

It no longer feels like
"your way" or "my way,"
like closed or open,
like right or true.
Lately, if feels more like love.

I am slowly re-learning
how to say, "Amen."

Posted by Elaine at 12:39 AM