Anointed Morning

Anointed Morning

Bedroom curtains open wide, large droplets of dew obscure the view

Darkness clings to the window, soon to be vanquished by emerging light

Shivering cold air greets, demanding the addition of a warming overcoat

Rain swirls in the air, it is damp underfoot, there is a welcome quietness

A newspaper spilling over with headlines is retrieved with hushed ceremony

This short walk from presbytery to newsagent, ritually, a daily pilgrimage

The key turns in the lock, the front door closes to the intrigue of outside

A reverence of care continues in full swing, a daily anointing of welcome grace

Roaring into noisy action the kettle squeals, hot water is poured into a cup

Its lid is tightened and then brought upstairs to begin the morning ablutions

Sacred this quiet time of an early morning where thoughts raise heavenwards

I hear the cacophony of chorus, the chatter of song, my garden scene awaking

And I speak quietly, reverently, for my heart says softly, gently, “Thank You!”

Fr Patrick Brennan 2022 ©