TAR PAPER HEART
By Joan Pendergast on Dec. 27, 1984
Snow falls gently on the slanted roof
(in my back yard)
White crystals dance upon asbestos black
The day has just begun
It’s gentle grey
In quiet prayer I watch this great activity.
I’m praying so I’m drawn to see God’s grace
It comes today in snowflakes light in space
The slanted roof could be a lukewarm heart
The mystery of what takes place, does now unfold.
The day has just begun – it’s gentle grey
In quiet watch this great activity.
The flakes of grace are coming down consistently
They come to rest upon tar paper heart
Some particles stay and stick they found a resting place
Some roll on down and fall off to the ground.
The day has just begun – it’s gentle grey
In quiet watch this great activity.
This coming resting falling off keeps happening
Some snow is now collecting in a bunch
It doesn’t mind it just keeps coming generously
It’s the effort of arrival that’s what counts.
The day has just begun – it’s gentle grey
In quiet watch this great activity.
When living hearts in process are be-coming
Gentle shelters of this grace from God
When warm enough and open to receive Him
The snowflakes of His grace stick to our hearts.
The day has just begun – it’s gentle grey
In quiet watch this great activity.
A lot of snow is rolling off the roof
Much however stays and finds its nook
Gently flakes keep lighting from the sky
It’s all a very delicate event.
The day has just begun – it’s gentle grey
In quiet watch this great activity.
It’s taking gentle time for snow to gather
Tar paper receives some – rejects a lot
Gently snow comes down forever giving
Knocking in a whisper on my heart.
The day has just begun – it’s gentle grey
In quiet watch this great activity.
The more the heart receives – the more it wants to
The snow collects in warmer bumpy spots
Once there it reaches other areas
The thorny spiny dingy parts of hearts.
The day has just begun – it’s gentle grey
In quiet watch this great activity.
The falling snow is resting now – it ceased
White patches on the roof are taking root
O Lord, I thank you for your grace that comes so gently
I will receive your gift that you’ve just sent.
The day has just begun – it’s gentle grey
In quiet watch this great activity.
Joan Pendergast
Joan Pendergast founded and ran After Abortion Helpline, Inc., in Rhode Island, for 20 years, and helped develop and run Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats for the Diocese of Providence. Joan is the author of “Markings of Mercy: The Story of After Abortion Helpline.”
