August 21–27 ❘ Epistles
Epistles
My son returns soon
from his mission to a foreign land,
now more home to him than home.
I compiled all his email in a memory book,
every word an oracle to interpret—
Is he happy? Is he whole?
Does he suffer, strive,
soar?
Early Christians collected
missionary letters to treasure.
These made slow journey
over miles and millennia
to new nests of fledgling faithful,
until today, when most other words flit
from mind to screen with little thought
and less love.
I read Paul's ancient words
and too late worry—
Who mends his clothes?
What does he eat?
Does someone watch at night
to guide him from knees to bed
before putting out the lamp?
Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry
Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com
