Poem April 17, 1989 Issue

We can praise!

Shirley Mary Nicholson

I wanted to praise
but praise didn't come:
problems requiring solution
and other burdens
weighed heavily.

Trying to praise
(well, have you ever tried
such a thing?)
is like squeezing a lemon
and that just isn't
what praise is about.
(I remembered the Psalmist said
sing and shout.)

I went out
into sunshine and flowers,
birdsong and trees,
and praise filled my heart
effortlessly.
Wanting to praise
(so much better than trying!)
had opened my eyes
to the joy
of God's creation.

Returning home
the burdens were gone,
and my thoughts—
don't be surprised—
were bright,
like a song.

Shirley Mary Nicholson

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