An invitation to the Quiet. At the end of a busy weekend, and at the start to the season of Lent, it is an invitation that draws me. The need to quieten our souls in God’s gentle Presence is an ever present one.
I have had this in the ‘drafts’ category all weekend, looking for a link to the music that inspired the following poem. The poem was written half a life time ago, but is one that seems to re- surface from time to time.
Come to the Quiet
A proffered hand
outstretched in plea of love
a silent empathy of prayer.
I can see
the child inside
that hides behind the man.
Fear stalks behind a laugh
and pain beyond a smile,
for in some deeper place
the child cries
and cries alone.
The bright facade
shown to the world
boasts confidence and strength-
but where I stand, beside your heart,
I cannot see your mask
I only feel your pain.
Speaking at length, in cheerful note
I could not hear your words,
your spirit’s orison of tears
touched a silent place within
and brought my own soul to my knees.
Hush then, and let the silence speak
His balm of Peace awaits us here.
If you will – then take my hand
and let us come
come to the Quiet.
The song ‘Come to the Quiet‘ is by John Michael Talbot, a Franciscan monk, and is based on Psalm 131. I will add or make a link in the next day or two.
Psalm 131
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 LORD, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
afeatheronthebreathofgod 