Lenten pilgrim
Come inside, out of the cold and throw off the heavy layers
one by one. Shake away the damp. The drops of rain, snow, ice
that creep down the back of your neck and remind you of the inevitability of pain.
Come inside. When you are down to your barest layer…
Nearly your true self, come sit by the fire.
You seem tired, friend.
Here’s a drink. Relax. Be still.
Listen and watch how the flame lives and breathes.
Soak in the warmth of the message you hear, weary traveller.
You are at the feet of the fire. To be renewed from the cold.
THE CONSOLATION OF MIRTH 