*Virginia at the Jordan

she washed 

the desert from her

and from the silver

in her hair

the dust of years--

those caravans of fear and longing

laden with Cenacle nights

alert for tongues of fire

for eyes unclouded

ears open

to a Voice so vast

beyond her yet within

 whose lead wove of her

a wonder child

whom silence taught

to read the Wind

and so answer her call

to leave darkened tents 

again and again

favored and sent

from the font of promise

to the river's edge

where beyond lay the land

of her desire--

the embrace of her Beloved--

the Rose of her

everlasting fire

-Jerry Schroeder, Cap.

*Zoo Keeper's Note

"The female lost a wing.

The male an eye...

disabled by gunshot."

wings closed

we at them

stared and left

both eagles

to their cage

as we to ours

wounded went

-Jerry Schroeder, Cap.

*Because of compromise Christianity doesn't appear in its truth-a truth that is often unacceptable.  It is revealed only in tension and debate, provided that it's not looking for power and prestige.

-Jean Sulivan