Poems by Ann Lewin

Entrance

 

Pause at the threshold

Of the sacred space;

Bow low.

Prepare for fresh

Encounter

With the Holy One.

 

Stage Fright

 

It’s often somewhat

Disconcerting when

God takes us at our word.

‘Take me and use me,’

We say, meaning it;

But when God does,

There is a moment of surprise,

Perhaps terror, ‘Me?’

 

Then, our ‘Yes’ loved from us,

Comes the realisation

That the opportunity is gift,

The outcome held in grace.

 

Simple Vows

At Burford Priory (the former home of the Community now at Mucknell Abbey) when two of the brothers renewed their Simple Vows, after promising stability, conversion of life and obedience, the rubric required them to stand with arms extended and say a verse from Psalm 119: “Sustain me, O Lord, according to your promise that I may live; and let me not be disappointed in my hope.”

 

Simple, not easy.

The economy of words

Belies the depth of the surrender;

No complicated debate about

How much to give:

Life stripped to the riches of poverty,

(Sustain me according to your promise)

The requirement is, everything.

 

The nails of obedience

Fastening me to this place

Scar like crucifixion

(That I may live).

 

Totally costly;

Totally rewarding;

(Let me not be disappointed

In my hope);

 

Simply all.

 

 

Solemn Profession

Written for three brothers who made their Profession in Solemn Vows at Burford Priory (former home of the Community now at Mucknell Abbey) on 28 May 1994

 

The engagement is fulfilled

            that time of fearful, hopeful

            search, discovery

            has brought me to this place.

 

What I seek is here:

            the mercy of God enfolds me,

            draws me on to ever

            deeper trust.

 

With this ring –

            encircling of God’s love,

            source of stability;

unbroken bond

            within community;

            symbol of my desire     

            to give myself –

what once was simple

now becomes a total offering:

            being refined like gold,

            eternally given and

            received and blessed.

 

Sustain me, O Lord,

according to your promise

that I may live:

let me not be disappointed

in my hope.