Arthur, MichaelC,
My dear
This is one from a collection of 7 poems I have written on Biblical themes.
A fellow Jesuit here – Wendell D’Cruz – did the artwork using paint on leaves and additional art inclusions. Distinct Biblical themes were taken and leaf arrangements were meant to symbolise these themes.
The whole thing was appropriately titled “Listening to the Leaves”.
This one is particularly appropriate for Lent – our sinfulness and the redeeming grace that awaits us.
listening to the leaves … 4
artwork : wendell d’cruz s.j.
THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN
Decay the leaves, reek, rot abound.
stalk evil slithers underground.
Rebellious fist to heaven raised
Freedom abused, man’s wretched choice
Love-gift refused, abandoned grace.
Wintered trees, leaves hold no life.
Blaze sun darkened, rule storm and strife.
Why this? Whence man? And whither now?
Why curse invite? Why evil heart embrace?
Why shut on self the doors to heaven’s grace?
In celestial light God weaves divine plan
With love, out-hearts stone heart of man.
Love unfolds, choice again He gives.
From death, man can now choose to live.
terryq : december 2004
It is good to be able to make a choice for living.
And it is comforting to know that His grace is unconditionally there for us to make this choice possible.
This makes Lent what it really meant to be – a joyful season of coming back home to Him!
Things otherwise well with me and sauntering along. No rush just now because everyone is busy with winding up classes and related things and getting ready for the end-sem exams. My big-time summer rush will begin in April and go on all the way till college reopens in June. I am ready for it.. so no sweat!
Good-times good-things blessings from me to you and the family.
Take care. Love, Terry