day SEVEN HUNDRED and SEVENTY THREE

AN ORDINARY CHANT

              “You say it enough times it almost

                   sounds like a prayer”

                        Steve Lopez, L.A. Times 2/20/2011*

Let me hug you, hold your pain ― is what he said

with his arm ‘round my shoulder, his palm on my head.

He said, come closer, lean toward me, rest your head.

So, I put my head on his chest, his black robe, then he said

Let your pain go, you are safe, you can cry here with me.

I let myself go.  I cried, like he said.

He said, You need love, let me guide you. Let me show

you the way, while stroking my arms, ears, and neck,

and the hair of my head.  No need to fear love, love is pure,

in our nature. He said ― Love is God’s gift,

makes us whole.  Accept God's love ― is what he said

as he moved  his hand from my head, to my breasts,

to my legs, to that place in between.  He said  

Let us join in God’s love. Together, let us cry out in joy.

Touch me here. Drink of me. A communion,  he said,

his fingers laced and locked in the braid on my head.

He said, Loving's pure, is God’s will.

You’ll be cleansed.  Then, he said, as he pushed

             Bow your head

                         Bow your head

                                      Bow your head

           

--Susan Beem

Susan Beem is a 70 year old retired Family Physician, who got hooked on writing during a difficult phase of family life and career. She's never met a word she didn't like and want to use in a poem. She has long hated how women are treating in this world.