Prayer Group in the Country

He had in his mind held the prayer group entire and whole,

Meeting every week, on Wednesdays, at 6 o'clock

In each other's living rooms or, in good weather

On each other's patios.

In either venue cushions wood render the members comfortable,

Permitting each soul to pray openly,

Prayers rising first from honey mouths

And held up, kept up by the group's sustained prayer.

Each of the members would be free, interested, interesting.

Eah would be invited to open, to flower, to grow.

Some would provide text,

Perhaps a verse of someone whose suffering

Had taught triumph and insight.

Some would bring their own suffering,

Offering pain up as a fitting offering.

There would arise as the prayer group rose,

The sweet scent of wisdom.

--November 24, 2013