The End is the Beginning

When you have come to turn over the last spade,
trimmed the last spirea’s faded spindle
you know beauty the Creator has made.

When you have washed clean what even gloves could
not keep out, when you have felt the ache of fall,
you know what the Creator has made is good.

When you see wind blow leaves across the way
and acorns disappear though some have stayed,
think how the spirit teaches you to pray.

When in the sky you hear flocks on the move,
and your garden has turned as hard as Golgotha
you know the Creator calls you to love.

When you look and leafless trees all look the same,
when you wonder if in spring all will rise again
believe the Creator calls you by your name.

By Patrick Harkins

(Patrick Harkins is a member of St. Joseph University Parish in Terre Haute.)

The Criterion