“Mama! Where are you?”
My little boy cried
Standing by the toilet,
At least he tried.
“I am here,” I say,
With mop in hand
Doing the job
That I can’t stand.
“Honey! Where are you?”
My love seeks me out
“I’m back from fishing
With some huge trout!”
“I’m here,” I say,
Fingers newly manicured
They’ll be chipped by dinner
That’s now ensured.
“Sweetie, where are you?”
My mom’s on the line
“If you don’t call,
How do I know you’re fine?”
“I’m here,” I sigh,
On my errand drive.
Now, another stop,
Will I be done by five?
“Oh, there, you are!”
My friend, from the school
Holding signs to fundraise
For the new pool
“I’m here,” I offer,
Accepting the task
I draw smiley faces,
That match my mask.
“I’m tired, I need rest,”
I hide in the shower
“Being there is so draining,”
My energy dips lower.
“I am here,” a voice whispers
“And you are here, too.
I can help you through this.
I’m here for you.”
I raise my eyes
To the Light from above
And feel myself
Wrapped up in His love
My strength renewed,
I cried without fear.
My heart knew the truth:
Alleluia! You are here!
I’ve been missing the deadlines for Sadje’s “What Do You See?” picture prompts the past few weeks. Saturday was coming up so fast! But maybe that was because I was losing track of the days…
This week’s picture prompt for Sadje’s “What Do You See?” #24 is a photo with a neon sign that reads “You are here” against a blurred city background. It immediately made me think of the Catholic hymn, “Here I Am, Lord,” and one of my favorite stories from the Bible.
It also made me think of how often I am called every day – not by God (at least, I don’t think it’s Him, although, maybe it is…) but by my children, my hubby, my parents, my siblings, my friends, people who aren’t my friends. Especially now, being home all day, every day – I can’t escape the “needs” (because “demands” seem too harsh) of the people and situations arounds me. FYI – the hiding in the bathroom part of the poem is based on a true story.
The hearing of God’s voice is also true, although not as dramatic. I haven’t actually heard His voice, but I have gone to mass (so much easier to do now that all it entails is just turning on the TV) and have come across several serendipitous articles that speak to God’s role as Compassionate Comforter. With all the uncertainty and fear in the world, I have found myself turning to the One Constant in this world. Indeed, nothing has changed with mass since I was child – the order of sitting, standing, kneeling is still the same; what the Priest says during the consecration is the same; the hymns are the same; that message of unconditional love is the same.
I know many people have rightful concerns and issues about the Catholic Church. I was even thinking of putting a trigger warning at the start of this post because I know some of my readers feel very strongly about the corruption in the Catholic Church especially with regards to the cover-up of child sexual abuse (please let me know if I should have).
And I agree – the part of the Church that is made by man is terribly flawed. But the spiritual part is not (at least in my opinion). The consistent message of hope and love is not.
And right now, it’s that message of hope and love, that is helping me through this shelter in place.
Happy Easter to my Christian readers! Chag Pesach Sameach to my Jewish readers!
(c) 2020 iido
