Presence 4: Arts That Inspire Reflection & PrayerSample

This place of peace

This field was once only a promise,

A dazzling array of colour

Held tightly within its seeds,

Packed with the possibility

Of flowers yet unfurled.

What hardship is there in blossom?

What struggle as beauty

And breath-taking wonder

Effortlessly create their lavish landscape?

Yet this bright field has been weathered;

Wind and rain, pest and predator 

Have contested this ground.

Storms have raged here, 

The dream of Spring distant

When darkness and deluge 

Plundered hope. 

This graceful flourishing has withstood challenge.

Treasure now this place of peace, 

Know its worth,

For this is no ready-made gift 

Handed to the favoured,

Nor the absence of worry

During tranquil times.

This is a seasoned  

And enduring peace.

Written by Chris Matthews