Stillness of new design
and shattered lace
give listening space and life
to retired nurse abused by father
now his caretaker
to midlife nurse in peak of career struck with fibromyalgia
now single parent fighting for disability
to grandmother, caring for two autistic grandchildren
now layered in her own chronic pain
to abused child from catholic boarding school
now diminished, depressed and addicted
to disassociated working mom with deaf husband
and adopted son with schizophrenia.
She, red-faced, perspiring, smiles through fatigue,
tears up, declares, “just glad to be here”.
Unfold, unbind weary hearts,
pierce us with vulnerable tenderness
inspired by softness of breath,
movement,
as dance, transforms
creates.
Let music ripple knotted muscles
fleece frazzled thoughts,
meditate, slow down.
Trust bonds of friendship
as sacred stories re-written,
permeate unscripted edges,
oozing Divine love
in holy listening.
- Sister Patricia St Louis, csj