Gift of Clarity

I barely know
where to begin
singing my love
and gratitude
for your mothering,
your mentoring,
your sisterhood.

You, Dear Abbess,
with unbounded charity,
have shared with me
your Gift of Clarity;
teaching me to gaze;
moving me to praise,
here in the simple cell
of my broken heart.

For love of The Crucified,
so much can be denied
with no sense of missing;
the kissing of His Wounds
is a Wealth beyond any
this world could ever give.

For all you have taught me,
and are teaching me still;
of contentment and courage;
of generosity and joy;
the simplicity of living
with a heart unafraid
of loving and giving;
I love you and give thanks.

“As gentle as a dove
and as strong as an oak”;
it has been said of you.
Beloved Saint Clare,
please hear my prayer;
that my sight and my steps
may be clement and true.

~Cheryl Anne
Eve of the Feast of Saint Clare of Assisi