Poetry April 5, 2021 Issue

It begins quietly in the wilderness

David C. Kennedy

In this silent, secret place
—gently washed by inward tears of yielding
and all alone—
we’re safely held in our Mother-Father God’s embrace,
as heartfelt longings drop their selfish tone
and truths appear that were not known
when more earthly hopes darkened our desires.

In this prayer-filled solitude, we take and hone
the heaven-sent thoughts that lift us higher.
As meekness springs up, fear and pain and self retire,
replaced by grace—
a new-found freedom foreordained.

It will always be true:
The good that germinates in quiet secrecy
will soon burst forth in open, joyous radiancy.

David C. Kennedy

_{© JEFF MILLER/MOMENT/GETTY IMAGES}

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