If you’re stranded in the snowy Alps
Light a flare.
Often, a helicopter
Closes in, dropping
A flask of hot chocolate
Toblerone, brandy.
With luck, a St. Bernard might be on his way.
* * *
In the steamy forests
Cut off by a tsunami
Light a flare
Wait for the air drop,
Water, rich in electrolytes,
Yoghurt drinks, protein bars.
* * *
And
In the English countryside
On a lovely April day,
Unaccountably low-spirited,
Running out of Go,
Light the flare of prayer.
And the same power
Which raised Jesus from the dead
Comes.
The living water of the Holy Spirit
Slowly fills you.
You become aware of Jesus,
Your brother walking beside you,
And the Father smiling down on you.
You ask,
Believe,
And receive the Spirit.
He will brighten your depression,
Help when you don’t want to get out of bed.
Help you get on with exercise,
Stay off the sugar,
Bite back that mean retort.
Light the flare of prayer,
Oh bankrupt one,
Bankrupt of kindness,
Bankrupt of energy.
Your soul needs surgery
But you are no surgeon.
Light the flare of prayer.
And He, ultimate plastic surgeon
Will pare the tiger-claws of acridity,
Implant sweetness.
All livings things grow and change.
Light the flare of prayer
To grow into your inheritance
To become One who lives in Jesus,
And in whom Jesus lives.
What a wonderful poem that resonates within my spirit…to light the flare of prayer. It is only when we are crossed out and crucified will we find the resurrection life welling up and transforming our ordinary into wondrous. Thank you for sharing such poignant words and thoughts.
Thank you, Kathy 🙂