Eighth Letter

“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

The Hungry Hive

Darting about like wanton bees:
Nectar-laden, yet seeking more,
From bloom to bloom among the trees –
Her wayward thoughts make prayer a chore.

In early spring, the bees are strewn;
The blooms beckon a hungry hive.
How can her heart and mind attune?
Will recollection e’er arrive?

In late fall, when the hive is full,
The bees settle within their place;
The hive is set — heavy and dull –
A mind at rest is filled with grace.

The north breeze chills the autumn air,
As wayward bees return to base;
Her heart returns when called to prayer,
To feed and be set in its place.

His graces still her mind’s churning;
His love fulfills her heart’s yearning.

May the Lord gather our wayward thoughts with His grace and feed our hungry hearts with His love.

(c) Paul Buis, 2004