The Gift of Silence

Rev. Jeffrey Symynkywicz, February 4, 2001

When we are old enough for real living,
no longer dancing in the mere shadows
of children's games,
we will walk a dark and silent road
and follow wherever it leads us--

sometimes gently toward peace and rest,
quiet contemplation at the end of work's day,
or perhaps toward the tragic garden
where we behold the plants and flowers
watered by the tears of generations.

Here amid life's silences
we can hear our true names called,
discover our real selves, our lives' true loves,
come face to face at last
with the glowing vision of who we are.

Such a vision would frighten
one not yet ready for living,
one too young to know
that the journey's not in grasping
but in learning to let go.

To let go and listen to the darkness,
and not be afraid to hear weeping
and silent, hushed voices,
for morning with its garish lights and loudness
will come again all too soon.

Day will come and take from us at least as much as it gives;
but in the holy darkness
all is a gift, penetrating grace of the Spirit--
holy stillness, holy healing,
the deep holy wholeness of God.

jbs
1/4/01 - 2/4/01

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