Friday, December 28, 2012

Traveling Mercies

And so we take the grace
hold it near like a mask
and breathe

It never seems to matter
how deep or rich or joyful
the time was

When the parting comes
it winds us

The room is stripped
She looks bare but for
the heavy bags packed and closed

What looks so neat and welcoming when we arrive
looks forlorn as we consolidate
and prepare to fly

Grace, then

Grace for the tears
on your shoulder
as I lay my head there

Grace for the
loud void our absence
will create

Grace for the journey
cramped and long
and weary-making

Grace for the transition
to the strange and familiar
of life on that side

Grace for the longing
we will feel
to be near you

Grace for the demands
Africa will be sure
to make

Grace, then

Grace
grace
grace

-lisa, 28 December, 2012

6 comments:

Carolyn said...

I am beginning to find myself breathing into Grace lately also, for many different reasons. IF only I could get it to seep deeply into my pores.....and into yours, too. Safe travels, as always, friend!

jane hasik said...

i love this, Lisa. thank you so much for putting together grace and goodbye.

Tami said...

I"m reminded of God's promise to make all grace abound to us so that at all times, having all we need, we will abound in every good work.... I know you will abound! You always do!

Love you so!

Nina said...

This poem made me weep... I know that pain of saying goodbye to loved ones in another country. It never gets easier. Grace will not fail you though Lisa, and the pain will subside.

DrsMyhre said...

Thanks Lisa. Dreading the next goodbye. It never gets easy.

Anonymous said...

I love this one

Colin