tears (advent in the rain)

tears from the heavens

a sacred soaking

for scorched starved soil

droplets of life

for rebirth of earth

tears from the stable

a clamoring canticle

for harrowed haggard humanity

jewels of joy

to the world unfurled

tears from the garden

a despairing deluge

for agonized anxious adversity

splashes of faith

to flood out fear

tears from the cross

a blessed baptism

for fearful friends foils

beads of love

for healing of hearts

tears from the tomb

a wondrous washing

for suffering sorrowful sojourners

flashes of hope

for humans and humus

(11 December 2014, Ukiah...photo of children playing in front of Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem from art.com)