flicker, image by Scott, on Pixabay
Green Grass
Horses grazed in the neighbor’s field.
Downwind silage wafted over hungry cow’s vociferous moos.
No one lived close enough to hear the mean voices
or the stick hit flesh in rage.
I told myself this must happen in every home—
because we kept winning the blue ribbon for best family at church.
~
Out my city apartment window
I watch children
cross the uncharted gap onto the clanging subway
step down slippery alleys
walk across honking traffic
wait in line for glazed donuts
each child’s hand held
by a larger hand.
~
Parents move to the country
persuaded green grass will raise good kids.
Neglecting that children will thrive almost anywhere
on love.
*
Consider the Birds of the Air
A hungry flicker
donning charcoal- and taupe-checkered morning jacket
aerates the spring grass
His long black beak topped in a red cap
peppers the earth foraging ants
in the bright morning light
I sift through drawers
finger hanging garments
fail to find fashion—
Oh! to wake
fine as a flicker
feathered in God’s glam.
(Scripture reference: Matthew 6:26)
___________________________
The Rev. Dr. Cathy H. George served as a parish priest in urban, rural,
and suburban parishes, and as a prison chaplain. Former Associate Dean
at Yale Divinity School, she is a graduate of Macalester College, Harvard
Divinity School, and Boston University School of Theology. Cathy’s published
work includes the book You Are Already Praying; Stories of God at Work
(Morehouse Publishing, 2015), The Stillness We Seek; Daily Devotions for
Advent (Forward Movement Press, 2015), as well as articles published in
the Journal of Pastoral Theology, Anglican Theological Review, and the
Yale ISM Review. She works as a teacher and consultant and writes poetry
and creative nonfiction.
February 2025 issue
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