the Same Thing

what i was taught

to expect and observe

when entering cherished

common spaces

like churches

and libraries

was silence

out of reverence

for the Presence

of Wonder and Wisdom

and respect for those

reading or praying

(which is often one

and the same thing)

with Church Ladies

and Marian Librarians

hushing and shushing

and ushering us

into the appropriateness

of quietness

but now as i sit

in one such space

with children giggling 

and milling about

as a furious Force

of curious commotion

and a precocious appropriation

of creative exploration

(cultivated and curated 

by Caring Librarians)

that appears different 

than the reverence

(but is often one

and the same Thing

since it emerges

from the same Source)

i'm paradoxically smitten

by the Silence

that emanates 

Its Eloquence

in contemplation

and celebration

and doxologically driven

to offer praises

in phrases that could

raise the roof

yet reverberate 

from whispers

through the woods

(which are often One

and the Same Thing)...

Thanks.

#160wordprayers #Lent2023

(Inspired by the amazing librarians, staff and volunteers - including my dear Ian - at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, OR, who have created a beautiful space for people of ALL ages to explore their curiosities and expand their imaginations. :)