A Plea For Mercy

by Anne Porter

When I am brought before the Lord
What can I say to him
How plead for mercy?

I'll say I loved
My husband and the five
Children we had together
Though I was most unworthy

I'll say I loved
The summer mornings
I loved the way the sun comes up
And sets the dew on fire
I loved the way
The cobwebs shine
On the tall grass
When they are strung with dew

I'll say I loved
The way that little bird
The titmouse flies
I'll say I loved
Its lightness
Lilt
And beauty.

Comments

  1. Reminds me of James Lipton asking his interviewee's at the end of "The Actors' Studio" session--"If there is a God, what would you like to hear him(her) say to you when you get to The Pearly Gates--only in reverse.

    What I'd like to hear her say is, "Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?"

    It's summertime, my dear Distracted friend. I hope that you are enjoying some sunshine on your shoulder and that in your own world there is serenity and warmth.

    Amitiés,

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  2. The dew drops are indeed a kaleidoscope on the other side of eyeballs...

    A line from Bruce Cockburn comes to mind, from his lovely song "In The Falling Dark" :

    "Light pours from a million radiant lives
    Off of kids and dogs and the hard-shelled husbands and wives
    All that glory shining around and we're all caught taking a dive
    And all the beasts of the hills around shout, "such a waste!
    Don't you know that from the first to the last we're all one in the gift of grace!"

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  3. When the time comes, I think we should express gratitude for the small little beauties and miracles we've experienced.

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  4. I swing between believing and not believing. Such is life. But I have sometimes wondered the same.

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  5. I can't think of anything better to say. Perfect. I love this!

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  6. That's beautiful.

    I think if I were to say "titmouse" in front of God I'd giggle.

    And I think God would giggle back.

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  7. Hmmmm....
    I think God is always giggling.....
    At least I hope so.
    Smiles!

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  8. the poet says "I'll say I loved......."
    what more is there to say.If any God where to find fault with that......

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  9. Well, you've gone and done it again. You're inspired my next post. Stay tuned. Gorgeous photo.

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  10. There is a sweetness to this poem--perfect for an early summer's day.

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  11. Some come on over and see the post you inspired. And thank you!

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Hey, thanks for your thoughts and your time:>)

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