Risen

For Easter Day

If you are looking

for a blessing,

do not linger

here.

 

Here

is only

emptiness,

a hollow,

a husk

where a blessing

used to be.

 

This blessing

was not content

in its confinement.

 

It could not abide

its isolation,

the unrelenting silence,

the pressing stench

of death.

 

So if it is

a blessing

you seek,

open your own

mouth.

 

Fill your lungs

with the air

this new

morning brings

 

and then

release it

with a cry.

 

Here how the blessing

breaks forth

in your own voice,

 

how your own lips

form every word

you never dreamed

to say.

 

See how the blessing

circles back again,

wanting you to

repeat it,

but louder,

 

how it draws you,

pulls you,

sends you

to proclaim

its only word.

 

Risen.

Risen.

Risen.

 

By Jan Richardson

 

 

ps….I’m incredibly in love with Jan Richardson’s book of blessings, Circle of Grace.  I want to write every one of them out for everyone to read.