3 Poems by Pamela Hayes rscj

Gitti Linhart rscj

---

Jesus
the only way
that I can hear
the word that's
spoken now so near.

Jesus,
the only way
that
I can see
all that the
Father means
for me.

Jesus,
the only way
I can begin
to let the
Spirit
breathe
within.

Jesus,
my weary head
has found its
rest in the
beating
of your breast.

Jesus,
this alone
can be my
prayer
your pierced
heart wide
open there.

---

Take, Lord, how can I give,
when all it means is death
and I so long to live?
Take, Lord, and dare I say, receive,
when despoiled and near despair,
but blindly I believe.
Take Lord, yes, take,
this naked nothingness I am.
Take Lord, and make
this will that will not bend.
I am yours: this utterly I know,
and you will take me in the end.
Take, and make your home in me
that being yours, I may in truth be free.

---

When we pierce
the Heart of Christ
we release
only Love

When we open
the Heart of Christ
we discover,
the whole world

When we learn
from the Heart of Christ
we find the sacred space
of our own heart

Pamela Hayes rscj
Province of England-Wales
+ 1991

from The Heart is a Sacred Space by Pamela Hayes rscj,
published by St. Paul's UK, 1955. Quoted with permission.