Page 8 - April 2022 Listen 16-2

NO ARK THIS TIME

God told me to include joy. Or guided you on your way.
And to tuck in hope
And faith, of course. Picture your naked self
And, yes, bring along love. Entwined with your lover,
Naked as well.
Bring memories, she said.
The slant of early light. Bring your poems and stories.
That first cup of tea in the morning. Bring song.
The way it feels to slide into a bed made with Remember to dance.
sheets fresh off the line. Bring laughter
The green of new leaves on the maple tree outside And courage
the bedroom window.
Now,
Remember childbirth and the feel of your first- Step forward.
born in your arms. Feel the light shining through you.
Remember the delight of a second daughter Do not look back.
And the hard blessings of those childrearing
years. Marjorie A. Speirs is a retired attorney, a hospice volunteer,
Remember the pride and ache when your girls spiritual director, gardener, and writer. Marjorie holds a master’s
grew up and away. in applied theology from Marylhurst University and loves to
explore the opportunities for spiritual awakening in the midst of
our daily lives.
Remember pets, and the birds who sang you
awake in the morning.
Remember loneliness and sorrow and illness
And the wonder of returning to happiness or
health.

Leave behind trophies, she said.
B.A.s and J.D.s.
Also envy
And grudges
Resentment
And fear.

Bring only what you can carry in your heart.
Etch there a picture of your garden.
The perfume of lilacs.
The blue of forget-me-nots.
Remember the feel and smell of earth in your
hands.
The warmth of sun on your face.

Name each person you have loved.
Name those who have loved you.
Remember all who ever did you a kindness

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