Words that do not pass away

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Rosalind C Hughes

I do not remember well
my mother’s voice any more;
the soprano on the cd is younger
than I knew her.
What I carry buried
deep within my skull
are nursery rhymes and nonsense
that emerge like sea mammals,
occasionally, then sink
again, unfathomable;
words that remain
alive beneath the surface
along with her passing murmur,
“very much loved.”

I’m not sure whether this counts as an official #preparingforSundaywithpoetry, but Jesus’ pronouncement of words that will not pass away, though all else fails, reminded me somehow of this; of love. Year B Advent 1, Mark 13:24-37

About Rosalind C Hughes

Rosalind C Hughes is an Episcopal priest, poet, and author living near the shores of Lake Erie. After growing up in England and Wales, and living briefly in Singapore, she is now settled in Ohio. Rosalind is the author of A Family Like Mine: Biblical Stories of Love, Loss, and Longing , and Whom Shall I Fear? Urgent Questions for Christians in an Age of Violence, both from Upper Room Books. She loves the lake, misses the ocean, and is finally coming to terms with snow.

View all posts by Rosalind C Hughes →

This entry was posted in advent meditations, lectionary reflection, preparing for Sunday with poetry, sermon preparation and tagged #preparingforSundaywithpoetry, Advent, Advent 1, family, grief, little apocalypse, love, Mark 13:24-37, nursery rhymes. Bookmark the permalink.