Desire is a matter of the heart Flowing at the core of my being. Often unclear, Wanting to be heard, To become, To be fulfilled. I struggle to find the words And even then, who will hear them? There are no words For the deepest desire of the heart. There is no “who” To wait on for the answer. But there is a truth inside, And a Knower of that truth That surely guides my way.
John’s Home (O’Donohue)
Connection, love, need Have brought us to your door. Steel-grey walls – austere and cold, Belie the loving hearth and home. A holy candle six foot tall Where once a flame was lit To light the dark and set a spark For seekers one and all. A crib, a font, an icon hanging on the wall The setting sun lights up the room, A full and busy life comes into view, Your books in line and now we see A desk where precious thoughts Were penned and bound to touch The hearts of people all around. There, music and laughter filled the air, A glass or two of wine were shared And talk of love and life were found. Your jacket hangs upon the chair Like many a morning you were there That day we felt the loss, We grieved for you And as the sun rose in the sky, We bowed on holy ground And said a prayer.
A Blessing
I bless the source of the happening That brought awareness and form To my existence. That awoke aspect and relationship In my being. You are always On the inside and out. In the darkness and light. Between the tension and ease. In the knowing and the unknowing. In my longing You guide me. In my living You teach me. In my loving You are revealed in me.
Between Minds
We are wiser than we know. Intellect - not only in the head. Brain - thoughtful, knowledgeable, Through connection Instructs our being and our doing. Heart – creative, centred, Embraces our concerns, Fleshes our needs And, when open, issues The flame of love in our lives. Gut – secret and responsive, Seat of wisdom, Grounds what the brain thinks And the heart desires. Three wise centres, conjunct, Enrich our lives. Listen to each, They unify and complete.
We Came To Visit Knock
We pitched our tent on the outskirts And walked in the dark of night, Stride for stride, hand in hand, well clad. Like Sumos wrestling against the wind. Warm in the laughter between us. A trickle of light at dawn Brought us hope And closer to the holy place. Entering the mystery By the narrow gate. Barely standing room at the sacred wall. A stone hollowed by touch, Inviting connection, motherly love. White robes billow in the wind, Humble Pope in silence prays. He came to visit Knock A gathering of people Destined to be here, Like others a century or more ago. What miracles will manifest today? What wounds laid bare to the lamb? What joy found in communion? What love hiding in discovery? We came to see the Pope, We came to visit Knock.
Floral Creations
A bunch of flowers Waiting to be transformed. Each one known, named and picked Just for the occasion by you – Sweet pea, Blue Veronica, Jasmine, Snapdragon, Dalia, Baby’s Breath. Fragrant blooms, cut with care, Shaped and intertwined. Carefully crafted by skilful hands. Created to send their soft scent And deliver their message of love, Friendship, thanks or remembrance, Always from the heart of the giver.
For Daniel (O’Leary)
Your being here, The sharing of your life Enriches us. Inspired thoughts Reflected by your words, Resound and echo In our hearts. From here, let's trust. Let spirit grow And wisdom guide our way.
When I Die
When I die I want to be In the sights and sounds Of a forest green. There with a faithful friend Who makes me smile! Close upon my heels. With purple heather in full bloom, Air with the scent of pine And thrush and blackbird singing sweet. I want to be bathed In the rays of a warm embrace. Carried by the flow of love. When I die, I want to be home in the familiar – The true centre of me. I want to live Within the beauty and goodness My heart has sometimes known And often ached for. When I die, I want to be with The essence of all I have loved Once embodied in this world And long imprinted on my soul.
Training For Ministry
A light beckoned, An invitation Given free as gift. Received with open Heart and hands. With space and time To ponder and discern. Together in faith We engage and explore Catechism of church, Challenge of change Events of past, Possibilities for future. Listening to the Word, Sharing wisdom of life, Gaining insight And knowledge. Seeking balance, Preparing ground, Making space For Spirit to flow.