Prayer

Audio made while composing a poem on the theme of "prayer".

This is the poem that was published on my blog. https://paulhomahony.com/2016/05/27/prayer-new-poem-by-paul-omahony/

Prayer

I

They said they’d pray for me, warmed and discomforted me.

“Pray for us sinners” echoed “Get down on your knees and pray” in pyjamas by the bedside, after I leant on the drawing room sofa reciting five decades of the rosary every evening looking towards the fireplace, coal box, chess books and bibles.

Now mother’s accepted she’s the one who’ll do the praying. No more pushing, she’s done her best.

II

To pray is human.

My friend with cancer wrote “I’ve prayed for my health and yours, five times a day, everyday.” A hummingbird whispered “Surely you can say ‘I pray for you’ Shame on you.”

Like a guilty child I stumbled “May your heart be warmed by the love you give to others.” (I wish I’d added “… and yourself.“)

III

By the river that washed the soles of Bernadette I rebelled:

“Every step of my way’s a prayer offered in hope, in thanks, contrition, desperation, love, in celebration of tickling mysteries.”

Now I stand in prayer, warm and discomforted, my way, this day.

#poetry