Baptism

Baptism

In honor of National Poetry Month, I offer this poem.

Baptism

It happens sometimes
in early spring or fall 
or any bright day
when the air is chill
despite our star’s faithful burning.
I’m walking outside
and everything is shining.
Suddenly the sky –
- flowing around every bit of matter in its path -
transforms, and
I now walk through water
that yields just enough to let me enter.
With every step
I’m encased in a glorious glove of cool, liquid shine.
I can’t see the stuff sky has become,
but my heart quickens
and I must make an effort
not to fall on my knees.
I glance at other walkers and wonder
if they feel the same
or if this is a private miracle,
a baptism that opens my soul to morning’s glory,
that refuses to let me move on ungrateful.
I can’t remember the first time
I knew sky could turn into water
and back to breath again in an instant.
It doesn't matter.
Nor does how.
Content with mystery
being mystery,
when the moment passes
I emerge into air-breath,
changed as surely as if I’d been walking the beach
and waded into the water
and crouched beneath a wave as it washed over me
and rose up
renewed, awake,
in love with the world again.
© 2024 Mary van Balen

Photos: Mary van Balen

Comments

  1. Barbara Finan says

    Your poetry touches my heart and soul.
    You are God’s gift of good news.

    • Mary van Balen says

      Thank you, Barb. I appreciate your writing. I often think of you and Karl Rahner when I write about Grace….

  2. Karen Freeman says

    Good grief Mary! You’re at Cape Canaveral? Would love to see you. Call or text.

    Beautiful poem btw.

    • Mary van Balen says

      Hi Karen. I am at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, so sorry to say, not close enough for a visit! NASA GSFC is NASA’s largest site, though many have never heard of it! Glad you enjoyed the poem.

  3. Anita Davidson says

    “A baptism that opens my soul to the morning’s glory…” That’s what your poem is.
    Thank you, Mary. May you be baptized like this often, and me, too!

  4. Linda S Williams says

    Thank you Mary for giving me the idea of looking for “baptisms” in daily life. Beautiful poem.

    • Mary van Balen says

      You’re welcome, Linda. Glad this poem spoke to you of “baptisms in daily life.” Thanks for your comment!

  5. “Content with mystery being mystery” I love the word “content”. It goes so well with mystery. Thank you.

  6. Loved the poem, Mary—Thanks!

  7. Fr. Raymond Maher, O. Carm. says

    a prayerful promenade into gratitude and renewal Thank you, Mary!

Speak Your Mind

*