Prison Poetry: The Vase
By Marty Robinson of Lansing Correctional Facility, Lansing, KS, USA
Then the Lord God formed man from the clay of the ground, and breathed into him the breath of life… —Genesis 2:7 NRSV
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. —Isaiah 64:8 NRSV
So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. —Jeremiah 18:3–4 NRSV
carelessly bumped dreams
shatter like a precious vase
on a cold hard floor
straining over the pieces
who will help me repair this priceless vessel
once filled with things hoped for
tomorrow’s laughter and happy tears
now mingled with dust and dangerous shards
I look up
you’ve already left the room
Prayer for Peace
Center our souls in you, O Creator, as the potter centers the clay. Shape us to your purpose. Imprint us with the trace of your fingers. Make us co-creators with you as instruments of peace.
Spiritual Practice: Chalice Prayer
The chalice prayer is a form of intercession. Create a cup or chalice with your hands in front of your heart. Open your heart to God’s concern for the Earth and human family as you hold them in your chalice. See beauty and suffering as you lift the chalice and release the creation (open hands) for God’s blessing and healing. Form the chalice again and hold people who have particular needs—friends, loved ones, even enemies. Lift them and release them for God’s blessing. Place yourself inside the chalice as you confess your deepest needs. Lift and release yourself to God for healing. End by praying, “Thank you and amen.”
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will not leave the room too soon, missing an opportunity to minister to a precious soul.
