If it were the scent of spring
It would be the smell of packed dirt turned over, making room for those hearty early flowers,
Or the cut-back fern, prelude to the unfurling of her frond,
Or the smell of rain – not winter’s relentless rain, but the playful rain, hiding and seeking with the equally playful sun, not yet too old and mature for a good romp
Or daffodils and daphne.
But not lilies. Please, dear Lord, not the lilies. They are too brash and self-important.
Or if it were a sound
It’s the quiet of waking before everyone else
The whispered drip and gurgling steam of the coffee maker
The light scratch of the plastic Adirondack against the pavement outside
The silence of a lightening sky
The occasional dog jingling by, and a gently panting human.
Or if it were a feeling
It’s the scratch of crinoline in a dress no one wants to wear but everyone wants to see
The pinch of elastic under the chin, holding that hat on for dear life,
The feeling of that girl, miserable in her curls and sagging tights who’d rather be in the mud and the rain eating chocolate from plastic eggs.
It is the nap in the afternoon, and waking anew.
It is in the evening that it sinks in
In that dwindling light before sundown, slanting through the flowering plum
Then with the brass of the day past
Only then, after the celebration
(Those bossy lilies found a good home)
Then do I whisper:
Indeed. He is risen.
Hold Fast to What Is Good 
Did you write that? I see a lovely book coming.
I did – thank you! No books on the horizon, though.
This is beautiful! I’m moving west to Portland, and look forward to joining your church in September.
Joy, we look forward to welcoming you!
Nice!
Lovely, Beth.
Hi Beth! finally finished “St. Rahabs” today as I prepare for the music of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday (We host the community service!) and Easter as organist at my local More Light Presby church. I will be emailing you soon on “normal” email to ask about a couple Presbyterians (not angel spies, I do not think) from Portland who showed up at my church just so I can see if they are “yours.” They never said their church name, but it sounded progressive. With thanks for a nice Lenten story; I shared with my husband-wife co-pastors! Easter Joy! Ebd
Heaven! Isn’t this Holy Week stuff amazing for pastors and musicians?! Our music director laments the lack of good Easter music, and we all love all the amazing Good Friday music. Ah, well. best email: bneel@westprespdx.org
Curious if they were our folks. Blessings to you this weekend!
I’m part of a committee responsible for putting together an inspiration book for the Homemakers Clubs in my area (Kentucky) for next year. May I submit this poem to be considered?
Thank you, Wendy – go right ahead!
Thank you. If it is selected I’ll send you a copy.