December 5, 2008

My Journey to God

The Rose Thieves

Nimbly, they tugged at the stems
Imbedded in the bouquets
Like rubber gloves in the box
By the hospice bed,

Only more secure, tightly packed against
Chrysanthemums, lilies,
lupine, ivy and fern.

They collected the roses … white, pink and red …
Out of the casket floral offering
And all the ones from vases on the ground.

Gathered in their arms, the blossoms
Were presented to the grieving sister
To be dried and processed

Into holy beads, in honor
Of the Mother of the One
Who would comfort them all.

By Susie McAllister

(Susie McAllister is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Indianapolis. She dedicated this poem to “all those who grieve and to those who stand beside them,” especially during the holiday season.) †

Local site Links: