Memorial Day 2013

"I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses."

 Memorial Day comes again.

Reminding me that

Another friend died this year.
Another funeral.
Grief for his family,
He will be missed.
Grief stirred memories rise
As "In the Garden" wakes

Forgotten sorrow.

A time of loss.
Old friends and family gone
As the World War II generation fades.

Those born in the rural past
Die in the urban present.

Too many precious friends

 Left long ago

In my generation's war,

In Viet Nam.

Their graves stand as sentinels

To this nation's hubris.

Now a new generation,

Young, full of hope,

Face their wars:

Afghanistan.

Iraq.

So many have died,

So many continue to die.

Bow your head

 To the sorrow

Of so much death

And listen to Christ's words,

"Blessed are they that mourn;
For they shall be comforted."

Photo by *clarity*

Springtime Prayer

Pink Dogwood Blossoms by Lee Coursey

Joy of Springtime
Who reigns above all,

Blessed are the ways we know you.

May your grace abound,

May the  blossoms of creation

Fill the air with the sweet perfume of life.

Let love reign over all in this world

As it does where you dwell.

Feed us from the bounty of this earth.

Where weeds have been sown,

Let there be flowers.

Help us sow fruits

 That others may harvest.

Protect us from the hail of evil

That comes with the storms  of life.

Walk with us down the garden path

To the bounty of your love.

For you in all seasons

Provide endless lovingkindness.

Generations Passing

"I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses."

Another friend died.
Another funeral.
Grief for his family,
He will be missed.
Grief stirred by memories
As "In the Garden" echoed.
February has become
A month of loss.
Friends and family gone,
Generations passing.
Those born in the rural past
Die in the urban present.
Christ's words echo:
"Blessed are they that mourn;
For they shall be comforted."

Photo by *clarity*