Sacred Heart

Pelicans on Seabrook Island, SC

Sacred Heart

“I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)”

-e. e. cummings

Guide me firmly, gently, by the hand, Lord

            (carry me in your heart)

Through the cold and threatening forests

Through midnight’s moody, darkest hours

Toward sunny, grassy, rolling fields

And pink and red and gold wildflowers.

Speak to me your life-giving word

            (and carry me in your heart)

The clouds have gathered, thick and dark

            (let me crawl into your sacred heart)

The yellow one has hid his eye

Silver one fallen from the sky

The stars have all gone to sleep

Carry me, shepherd, your wayward sheep

Don’t let me wander into the dark

            (let me crawl into your sacred heart)

The swamp has risen, a noxious flood

            (let me swim in your precious blood)

At once your bride and faithless daughter

Rebellious son and foolish brother

The tide is rising—I slipped under

My lungs and eyes now filled with mud

Give me your fresh life-giving water

            (and let me drink your precious blood)

I can see the ripped and bloody wound

            (let me crawl into your sacred heart)

Two rivers flow from your bosom womb

Please let me in—if there is room

Hold me, feed me, Pelican Mother

My wounded Savior, my godly Brother

Pull me into your bleeding breast

Give me your joy, your peace, your rest

From this cruel world, keep me apart

            (and carry me always in your heart)

5/4/25