Faith is a banner to rally to.
When our seasons extend,
and borders loom large,
when we feel the ache of longing in the wilderness.
Then faith becomes a banner we must raise.
Take a corner each and connect across our doorways.
Cover our bedspreads, our children’s knees,
line our walls.
Walk with faith flags streaming in the wind,
catching the eyes of our neighbours.
And that person now staring blankly through their windowpanes,
looking for any sign of colour.
That soon faith might become a reason for parading,
with our banners high as beacons to draw crowds.
And trust become a reason for continuing
like the sun that nudges hearts to note its appearance.
And together we will raise each other’s flags,
and find bread enough amongst us for sharing.
And resourceful that will meet our urgent needs,
and faith as a blanket that extends.
Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry
October 2021
‘The first step in love is losing your head. After the petty ego you then give up your life and bear the calamity.
With this behind you, proceed: polish the ego’s rust from the mirror of your self.’
~ Fakhr al-Din Iraqi, Love’s Alchemy, David and Sabrineh Fideler version
‘Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Your sons will rebuild the long deserted ruins of your cities, and you will be known as ‘The People who Rebuild the Walls and Cities.’
~ Isaiah 59: 10-12
Living Tree Poetry 