Bill Johnston: "I TAKE TO MYSELF"

I take to myself

my broken self:

my guilt, my peace,

my folly and joy,

my sickness, my health;

in laughter and agony,

hating and loving,

my fear and my birthing--

and I am made whole.

I take to myself

you, my neighbor,

cupping your life

within my hands:

your broken self

pure gift to me;

not burden, gift,

as mine to you--

and I am made whole.

I take to myself

you, broken Earth;

stripped and abused,

paved over and poisoned,

you mother so freely,

abundant in grace:

clasp in your mercy,

surprise into tears--

and I am made whole.

I take to myself

your broken self,

my dear, near God;

broken for broken,

for lost and for spent.

As fragmented love

and nectar of life,

you come, gentle God--

and I am made whole.