Begin with Rage

by Christine Rodgers

Begin with rage.

It is the most

obvious and

formidable.

We are all ticking

it would seem

and we will

either deactivate

ourselves or explode.

How do we disarm

ourselves then?

Try climbing into

the boat of solitude

and floating for a

while.  Let the sky

bend over you

in her huge blue

skirt and allow your

head to fall quiet

in her great wide

lap and be still.

So still.  Only still.

Until mercy rises

up from the water

like a great gleaming

fish -- her scales

shimmering in the

autumn sun.

And at last I believe

peace will come.

She will sit on the

edge of your boat

in her rich green dress

and she will help you

on your way.  She will

help you stay the course.

Christine Rodgers is an actor and writer living in San Francisco, California, who considers both acting and writing to be forms of giving witness and of praying. She is a regular contributor to The Witness, and may be reached by email at tallpilgrim12@hotmail.com