Posted on July 5, 2012 by Susan L Daniels

Recycling an older poem that I would ADORE feedback on!

Susan L Daniels's avatarSusan Daniels Poetry

this was no Pentecost
tongues of fire wrapping the faithful;
simply a baptismal service
where she waited in line
with the 12-year-olds,

but she waited 42 years
to step into
water chest high
her hand gripping the baptistery ledge
as if that could stop drowning

he said the words
& took her under

in an exercise of faith
fighting fear
she let him

tears crowded my own eyes
as hers opened underwater;
an everyday transcendence

View original post

Unknown's avatar

About Susan L Daniels

I am a firm believer that politics are personal, that faith is expressed through action, and that life is something that must be loved and lived authentically--or why bother with any of it?
This entry was posted in New Free Verse. Bookmark the permalink.

14 Responses to

  1. nelle's avatar nelle says:
    July 5, 2012 at 12:43 am

    When it comes to doings of faith, I say follow where your heart wishes you to go. 🙂

  2. Dewey Dirks's avatar Dewey Dirks says:
    July 5, 2012 at 3:37 am

    Nicely written Susan

  3. Noel Ihebuzor's avatar Noel Ihebuzor says:
    July 5, 2012 at 8:45 am

    By the waters of baptism has she been washed clean – even Christ went through it and thus fulfilled ALL righteousness!

  4. doncarroll's avatar doncarroll says:
    July 5, 2012 at 9:08 am

    for me it’s the last line of which implies boldness to go through with the baptismal. especially when she grips the baptisery ledge as if to stop drowning. at least that is my take. it compares to the 50 year old graduating from college with 22 year old’s in a loose sense persay.

    • Susan L Daniels's avatar Susan L Daniels says:
      July 5, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      Don–very nice take. It took a lot for her to do this–eventually she let go of her fear (for a moment) to demonstrate something larger than that–an outward gesture of obedience that was only made possible by her faith. Thanks for commenting–like what your thoughts add.

  5. Rhonda's avatar Rhonda says:
    July 5, 2012 at 10:09 am

    your tears were part of a cleansing of your own…your happiness for hers rolled down your cheeks to meet the baptismal waters she was immersed in. no matter our proclivities, no matter our own beliefs, it’s hard not to share in the joy of one who finds his or her own peace, no matter the age. the fact you were witness to it is a wonderful thing. Perhaps it lessened the pain of losing her those years ago, a bit easier knowing she was not afraid. At least I hope it did.

Comments are closed.