patricia mckeon

Holy Listening

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