Water Breaks

Another new year, another renewed commitment to writing. But this year I have a plan, and even with a baby on the way, I really will make it happen!

Here's a prayer-poem for the Baptism of Jesus, which is this Sunday. 

Water Breaks

Frozen, it expands

until it cannot be contained

by pipes too fixed and firm

in their places. 

Rushing, it roars 

through canyons and down streambeds

washing away dust, 

mud, rock, road,

truck, house, church, 

town. 

Pulsing, it pours

or trickles down the legs

after months of suspending 

a growing miracle

as another woman 

crosses the threshold

toward meeting her descending child. 

Lapping, it opens

as a man's head emerges

from the quiet murky mystery

into shimmering, dove-shaped

light. 

Dripping and dancing, it blesses

infant, child, youth, adult

with the grace that goes before us, 

tearing down walls 

between sisters and brothers,

smashing the chains of alienation,

anger, judgment, fear, 

addiction, apathy, despair,

and death. 

May the water within you

and around you

break 

in ways that make life

and wholeness

more possible each day. 

Permission is granted to use this prayer-poem in worship. Please acknowledge with (c) Kerry Greenhill, 2014.