Living Tree Poetry

I don’t think a prayer goes unanswered.

There are the birds that start singing
before the dawn.

Bravely, loudly,
with utter confidence in the break of day.

Faith then, I’ve decided

is this certain thing
that can sing in the dark.

And hope perhaps,
a thought of light before it arrives.

Yes, if God can give us imagination
for faith and hope’s sustaining,

then surely behind,
arriving at their appointed time,

are our prayers
wearing answers.

The dark knows this I suspect,

in that it deepens most
just before its dispersion

by the rising light,
which the birds,

with their short attention,
sense before us.

Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry
August 2021