The Green Bench

Here you sit

enduring elements of the seasons—

wind, sun, rain and snow

your paint is peeling and birds use you

for roost and more

Lying on my back on your old weathered slats

the most amazing art takes form—blue sky

between green wood

You have no heart, no soul, no brain

but still you kindly offer respite

to weeping sinners and struggling saints

and maybe even an old Jesuit priest

has taken rest on your sturdy seat

You remain where you were placed

doing the work you were made for

bearing the scars and wounds of age and element

until some kind soul or gardener

revives you with fresh paint

or takes you to another place for kindling and scrap metal

Thank you for this most excellent service

you have provided me today.

9/09 Jesuit Center

I'm on my way to the Jesuit Center yet again. Monday I'll begin a 4-day writer's retreat with Paula D'Arcy, a gift from my friend, Lisa Mullen. As my thoughts center on this most beloved place, I remembered this poem I had written several years ago, and I wanted to get it into my blog because it reminds me of what I so treasure about the monastery--the simple things that hold such meaning year after year.

A New Psalm

Roof tops

Tree tops

Black cables

Drops of water from early morning rain

sparkle in the

southern sun

warming my legs

when it comes from behind a cloud

and shines through

the dusty window

Who knew

this view

from my daughter’s corner room

would give me

new pictures

of God’s love

But here He is

Throwing shadows on my page

burning in the flame

of my new candle

new wicker chair

happy pillow

Wrapped in my old prayer shawl

Reading from my old books

Loving my new space…

Our place.

October 2012

October Morning

The brilliant morning sky

All yellow and purple

Pink and gold

Shines off the tree tops

And buildings

Giving the city a golden glow

Filling my heart

With praise

For the One who

Made it so.

October 2012 

Lament

Beneath the brilliant colored leaves

and cheerful orange pumpkins

Behind the deep blue autumn sky

Deep within the chambers

of my heart and soul

I feel the pull of melancholy

Begging for expression

Asking to be named

And I must go

Embrace these open chasms

Darkness, grief, death and sadness

Cold and barren trees.

I know this truth is

Just as much a part of me

As golden leaves

and sunshine

I feel His wings around me

and I face the

coming winter.

Nancy Perkins

October 17, 2012

Leaves

I really don’t care for Fall

Cold weather and all.

But I have to say

The leaves have almost

Won me over.

Canary yellow fans

Scarlet maples with

Deep green veins

Red and orange and gold

Spears or fingers.

I mean

A song actually burst from

My lips as I walked down

The sidewalk…in town.

What was God thinking?

Is there any purpose

For this extravagance

Besides beautifying His world

And pleasing His creatures.

Well, it’s enough.

I’m pleased, and it’s still early

In the season.

Who knows, maybe next week

I’ll be skipping down the street.

Nancy - Fall 2012 in Lancaster

God has a plan...

I knelt in front of my aged mother, hugged and kissed her good-bye, and looking into her eyes, I said, Mother, God has a plan for you. She nodded and with tears, said, Yes.

On my way home, I thought about what I had said to this 90-year-old woman, who sits in a recliner most of the day.  Just what would that plan be? What does it look like? I don’t know. But here’s what I do know. I know she inspires and blesses me every time I visit with her. And I know she hasn’t stopped living. I know she has struggles, but she isn’t ready to quit.

Her pleasure when she eats food with texture, not pureed, is so evident in the smile on her face. Her determination when she grips the handle of the walker and pushes forward, refusing the easier wheelchair ride to the dining room. The firm grip of her hand and the smile in her eyes when you walk through the door. Reaching for my hand before she begins her lunch, inviting me to pray with her. Even her attempt at conversation; knowing it often doesn’t make sense, does not deter her from trying.

On Wednesday, I read her the story of Ruth, and as usual, she tried to talk about it with me. All she could say was, Naomi’s daughter… Yes, mother, Naomi’s daughter (in-law) went on to join the ranks of blessed women who were part of the lineage of King David and our Savior. Ruth brought her baby to her mother-in-law and she held him and blessed him. How many babies you (mother) have held—your children, your grandchildren and now great grandchildren. What a tremendous blessing you are in our lives.

What an incredible legacy she is passing on to me and to my children. Live life! Even when it doesn’t go the way you had planned, embrace who you are and live. I’m not trying to sugar-coat here. Mother gets sad and depressed, and yes, I’ve seen her angry. But that’s living…not dying. Surely she wants to be with Jesus in heaven, she has said as much. But she’s still here, and she still loves flowers, and she smiles at her grandchildren, she holds hands with her husband, and she sometimes weeps when I leave.

God has a plan. And I, for one, am glad to be included.

Nancy Perkins

10/11/12

This photo was taken on a trip I took with mother and daddy last 

year to New York City to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. 

We ate lunch at the at the Port Authority.

Streams of Mercy

In a beautiful house of worship

I sang the songs

I heard the Word

I tasted bread and wine

My tears flowed…

and it was good.

Nancy Perkins

10/7/12