It is soft this thing
and creeps into our heart
sheer as fabric light glistens through
in the dark, it is light, as a feathers touch
in the day, warm like gentle sun
in the rain it soothes, a balm to sadness
in the cold, it warms from the core
but when the wind twists
this soft soft thing
becomes a cord that turns our heart (knots?)
like the washerwoman wringing clothes
what does she want from us
I watch her sure strong hands
I hear the cry which she elicits
as she works her work
cleaning the clothes we wear in this world
cleansing them, in her bitter cold water
she shows no age, I can guess
but goes about her task with quiet dignity
what does she wring from us but tears
what more can we give when we feel broken
where can we go to escape her ministrations
where do we go, when we come to the other side
I sat and watched the washerwoman work
All serene and involved
her hands are sure
I wondered how
how can she see such heartache and not weep
I pondered at night upon this woman
thinking, until sleep
I watch the washerwoman
Sometimes she watches me
What is she seeing
I come now gently to you lady
I pass my flesh to your hands
The pain is enough to break me
The grief my blood flowing out
It flows
It flows
I flow out
I am released
I am released
I am found
I am here
Gently soak my heart in a stream
Gently dry it now
Your’s are the hands strong and sure
You are the one who knows
how and
why