Climactic conversation
At table the brothers who share the legacy
in this season of unseasonable heat,
eight-hundred years after Francis of Assisi,
speak of changing climate and creation.
In this season of unseasonable heat,
we sing God’s praise through Brother Sun
and speak of creation, changing climes—
whose heat is amplified in our neglect.
We sing God’s praise through Brother Sun
unchanged—but change deniers rule the day.
Its heat is amplified in our neglect,
our common home cries out in pain
unchanged. The change deniers rule the day
but after eight-hundred years Francis
for our common home cries out in pain.
Today we all must share his legacy.
12 thoughts on "Climactic conversation"
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Love: “in this season of unseasonable heat,” and weaving of past and present “eight-hundred years after Francis of Assisi,”
a gorgeous sorrowful but reverent pantoum
I love how you braid the historical with the contemporary to provide a clear picture of the need to “share the legacy:” of St. Francis. Timely poem that challenges us.
Time is of the essence…
Wonderful use of the form as well as an important message. Thanks!
This is an incredible bond between form and content.
Thanks, Nancy, I love making the pantoum–always a surprise when the lines change!
Yes! Important topic that often gets swept aside for other “crisis” issues. Beautiful poem!
Wonderful juxtaposition of sacred tradition and the modern frustrations of “change deniers” – makes me/the reader think about this neglect through a more spiritual lens. And that may be – this spiritual lens – what most stands out to me in your poetry.
Thank you, Michele–I am glad that my Franciscan “take” on the world comes through.
It does! Delightfully. 🙂
I’m with Pam! Loved, ““in this season of unseasonable heat” as soon as I read it. Strong piece on climate. I also liked the motif, “change deniers rule the day.” Well done!