Monday, 4 October 2021

A Moment Aside for 4 October 2021

 A Moment Aside --- 4 October 2021

         A Franciscan Prayer

ENID DENNIS

When I am old and tutored by
The grim experience of days;
When I have proved men in their ways,
Oh, do not let the dreamer die.

When I have learned aside to toss
The foolish things that wise men hate,
Lest Littleness should hold me great,
Be mine the folly of the Cross.

When comes detachment's strength to me,
Let mine the weakness be that wept
O'er Lazarus' grave and kept
Three comrades in Gethsemane.

When head bids heart herself forget,
When Reason's lure would love deceive,
May my poor foolish heart achieve
A few life-giving blunders yet.

When I have grown too sane, too sad,
To join the angels' faerie ring
And serve the playtime of the King,
Then, Sweet Saint Francis, make me mad.

 

October 3 is the festival of Francis of Assisi and it is a special day for me. I don’t take the day off or anything like that. I remember the roots of my spiritual journey and the signposts I’ve seen along the way.

I found this poem may years ago and it speaks to my heart and spirit. It reminds me of what I’d wanted to be and still wish to be, despite any and all changed circumstances.

When I have grown too sane, too sad,
To join the angels' faerie ring
And serve the playtime of the King,
Then, Sweet Saint Francis, make me mad.
 

Pax et Bonum! (Peace and all good!)

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