Poetry

Lectionary Poetry – 1st Sunday in Lent (Year B)

With the dawn of a new church year, we have launched a new feature on our website, a weekly post of poetry that resonates with the lectionary readings for that week (Revised Common Lectionary).

 
 

*** Revised Common Lectionary ***

Lectionary Reading:
Psalm 25:1-10

 
 

CLASSIC POEM:

The Sparrow’s Fall
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Too frail to soar — a feeble thing —
It fell to earth with fluttering wing;
But God, who watches over all,
Beheld that little sparrow’s fall.

‘Twas not a bird with plumage gay,
Filling the air with its morning lay;
‘Twas not an eagle bold and strong,
Borne on the tempest’s wing along.

Only a brown and weesome thing,
With drooping head and listless wing;
It could not drift beyond His sight
Who marshals the splendid stars of night.

Its dying chirp fell on His ears,
Who tunes the music of the spheres,
Who hears the hungry lion’s call,
And spreads a table for us all.

Its mission of song at last is done,
No more will it greet the rising sun;
That tiny bird has found a rest
More calm than its mother’s downy breast

Oh, restless heart, learn thou to trust
In God, so tender, strong and just;
In whose love and mercy everywhere
His humblest children have a share.

If in love He numbers ev’ry hair,
Whether the strands be dark or fair,
Shall we not learn to calmly rest,
Like children, on our Father’s breast?

*** This poem is in the public domain, 
  and may be read in a live-streamed worship service.
 
 
CONTEMPORARY POEM:

I Go By A Field
Wendell Berry

I go by a field where once
I cultivated a few poor crops.
It is now covered with young trees,
for the forest that belongs here

[ READ THE FULL POEM ]

 
 

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