First Tuesday of Advent

(read 2nd Peter 1:12-21)

ms. morningstar's class

as we come into
the room, you help us
hang up our coats
in the nooks,
our lunchboxes on
the shelves;

in the morning, we
concentrate on the
multiplication tables,
reciting them over
and over until
we have them memorized,
internalizing the infinite
times
we are to forgive;

at recess,
you always encourage
the team choosers
to pick (first!) the
ones who are
awkward,
shy,
differently-abled,
whispering, 'they are
my
Favorites.'

after lunch and naptime,
we take out our
lined paper
and big pencils, as
you move from desk
to desk
patiently guiding our
hearts
as we trace
the alphabet of
mercy
over and over until
we can do it with our
eyes closed;

when we begin to
murmur
about the boring
repetition
of simple tasks,
you smile wearily, 'i
just want you to be able to
recall
what i've taught you when
you need it most.'

© 2012 Thom M. Shuman

'Bearers of Grace and Justice', liturgies with communion for Lectionary Year C; 'Pirate Jesus', prayers and poems   for Lectionary Year C, are available at Amazon.