like a hot shower
that never runs out
grace doesnt stop
like your favourite song
on constant repeat
grace just keeps playing
like a no-condition release for refugees
a “welcome home” mat
for every black sheep
like a “job vacant” sign
in every business in every street
like “room available”
in neon lights
on every corner
grace is an open door
grace doesn’t stop
when the shower runs cold
when refugees fade behind bars
when family invitations are returned
when job applications are rejected
when motel rooms are full
when doctor says
"we'll have to see"
in times like these
grace still roams free
because it is grace
unconditional love
undeserved, unending,
unquenchable, unpredictable,
unimaginable, unspeakable
raw and reckless love
broken and binding love
helpless and hopeful love
deep and drifting love
remembering and forgetful love
grace is a journey home
and an open road
grace is a close embrace
and an open hand
grace is a favourite song
and an unchained melody
grace is a mona lisa
and an empty canvas
grace is an open sky
in a prison cell
grace is another day
in a fragile life
grace is a gathering table
for surprise guests
recklessly drawing in
weary angels
broken dreamers
doubtful believers
those speechless with grief
or wide-eyed with wonder
those who need a place
to rest in the womb of life
to wallow in divine stillness
to brush the otherness of being
not to believe, just yet
or even know,
but to allow space
for doubt
for hunger
for imagining
to be still and know
be still and know
and then perhaps
a subtle stirring
a hushed truth
[I've just been reminded that I wrote this in 2005.]
