We have pondered...

...and celebrated.  Now we live, day by day, in light of the cross and the resurrection.

Present
by Luci Shaw

At light speed, God speed,
time collapses into now, so that
we may see Christ's wounds as
still bleeding, his torso,
that ready sponge, still
absorbing our vice, our toxic shame.

He is still being pierced
by every hateful nail
we hammer home.  In this
Golgotha moment his body--
chalice for the dark weeping
of the whole world -- brims,

spilling over as his lifeblood
drains.  His dying into the earth
begins the great reversal --
as blood from a vein leaps
into the needle, so with his rising,
we surge into light.

Originally published in "http://www.radixmagazine.com/">Radix</a>, "Present" was subsequently collected in What the Light Was Like</a> (WordFarm). Copyright © 2006 by /">Luci Shaw. Used with permission from /">WordFarm.

 early morning sun through the family room window reflecting on the hutch

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I had intended to post this poem last week, but since I wanted to post it in its entirety, I contacted the publisher for permission.  Do people do that?  It's what we are told to do in the front of books... all rights reserved, no publication without prior permission.   I'm glad I asked.  I received a kind email back with permission and thanks for sharing the poem.  I am very happy to share Luci Shaw with you all.  I thank Bonnie for originally sharing her with me.