Rabbit Room day eight: Vulnerable

how long do we bear the wound
given us by a brother?
what garnishes or bedazzlements
do we use to cover it?

are we all born roughly innocent,
or brave without reason?
how long does it take
until we recognize ourselves?

i was once dared to put my hand
in an animal’s mouth.
i did it, but feared
its indeterminacy.

do we face the possibility –
that those we might love most
might possibly wound us most –
and exercise courage?

and how, like our friends;
and how, like our enemies,
we prepare ourselves for pain
and hope that we find joy.

Rabbit Room day seven: Hospitality

you are welcome here
and so we began
 
share a meal with me
borrow my clothes
 
let time be our friend
it’s okay if you’re tired
 
there’s no need for secrets
so let us reason together
 
join me; let’s go dancing
all the world is music
 
this is my flesh; this, my blood
let us share everything
 
let us be one spirit
let us be one body
 
let us make each other
our home and rest

Rabbit Room day six: Form Friday

the way you said yes. always that
song of skin on skin. how joy
ascends. the mouth opens wide
to taste the moment. to thank
God for this exchange of flesh.
who knows our brokenness? who
wipes our tears away? she thought
his words could be trusted. caught his
eyes and found it all too much.

Rabbit Room day five: Neighbourhood

Sometimes it takes years
To get to know your neighbours

Passing each other every few days
Between shifts at work 

Maybe your children play outside
And occasionally play together

Or you have the barbeque going
And they drop by to see what’s cooking

Maybe one day they need your help
Or maybe you need theirs

The basement has flooded
Or there’s no babysitter

The new couch has arrived
And it’s so very heavy

It gets loud at night
And there’s no party

The dogs bark at everything
But you stop and talk anyway

Then you plant flowers in their yard
And water them daily

You bake cookies with open windows
And deliver a box to their door

You make your excuses
And say hello and hello and hello

Welcome to the neighbourhood
It’s a pleasure to meet you

Rabbit Room day four: Friends

and weren’t our hearts
burning within us?

walk with me

in the garden
for 300 years

tell me your secrets

sit with me here
next to the fire

we don’t need to speak

join me at the table
try some bread
olive oil, fish, wine

get some rest
I’ll be here tomorrow