This is some poetry I found by Ann Weems. She is the wife of a Presbryterian minister and lost her son to murder the day after his 21st birthday. I can't find the title to the first one.
In the godforsaken, obscene quicksand of life,
there is a deafening alleluia
rising from the soulsof those who weep,
and of those who weep with those who weep.
If you watch, you will see
the hand of God
putting the stars back in their skies
one by one
Yesterday's Pain
Some of us walk in Advent
tethered to our unresolved yesterdays
the pain still stabbing
the hurt still throbbing.
It's not that we don't know better;
it's just that we can't stand up anymore by ourselves.
On the way of Bethlehem, will you give us a hand?
Not celebrate?
Your burden is too great to bear?
Your loneliness is intensified during this Christmas season?
Your tears have no end?
Not celebrate?
You should lead the celebration!
You should run through the streets
to ring the bells and sing the loudest!
You should fling the tinsel on the tree,
and open your house to your neighbors, and call them in to dance!
For it is you above all others who know the joy of Advent.
It is unto you that a Savior is born this day,
One who comes to lift your burden from your shoulders,
One who comes to wipe the tears from your eyes.
You are not alone,
for He is born this day to you.
4 comments:
Hi. I just noticed your blog. I was a member of Don and Ann Weems congregation in St. Louis as a little girl (0-10) and remember her very well. She was the epitomy of genuine christian love and a good friend of my mother. When my mother died at age 56 from cancer, we read some of her poetry at my mother's request, sang 2 hymns (also requested) We sang "Lord of the Dance" which was my mother's favorite and my family and I proccessed out to "When the Saints Go Marching In"
I remember my mother remembering Ann and how she dealt with the loss of her son- raw, honest and able to inspire a huge congregation. My mother, as she grew more ill told me, "now dont you be mad at God! You must be like Ann Weems- it is because of God we are going to get through this- and I want you to celebrate my life when I'm gone- not hold a dirge.
That was 11 years ago, but I will never forget how Ann's sorrow and her response had so touched and stayed with my mom that 20 years later she said the things she said-and died with such grace.
Now, I am 40 and beginning to understand that kind of strength and it her poems have meant so much to me as well- she touched many lives.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I wrote that so long ago and revisiting it again was truly a Divine moment. Thank you for reminding me.
Hi..what an extraordinary woman. I Am doing some research on Ann Does anyone know her parent,s names? And, does she have any other children besides her son that was murdered?
Pat,
Ann and Don had 2 or three younger children at the time of her son's death if I recall. Her daughter I believe would be about 40 now.
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