A Tale of Two Cornfields
Linda Bonney Olin
Green mendicants
acres of them huddle
thin, sharp arms raised
straight to heaven
begging alms from passing clouds.
One fat drop splashes and slides
to the cracking soil, only to be
snatched by hoodlum weeds.
Half a mile down the road
the ten percent
who always get the soaking rain
from a ten percent chance of showers
shrug supple green shoulders.
Arms drooping—not exhausted or weak
but relaxed, complacent—they pray,
“There but for the grace of God . . . ”
- - -
1. How long is the
longest night?
How distant is the dawn?
It seems that time has
ceased its flight
and hope for change is
gone.
But wait! My God’s
strong hand
rules over time and
space!
At just the moment God
has planned,
all things move into
place!
2. How dark is the darkest day,
how black the shadow's gloom?
The richest colors fade to gray
when joy gives way to doom.
But wait! My God is light!
More vivid than the sun,
the face of Jesus Christ shines bright
with love for everyone!
3. How deep is the deepest fear?
How far can one soul fall?
The chasm’s edge is oh, so near,
so close to claiming all!
But wait! My God has wings!
The Spirit lifts me high
above the pit of fearsome things
to soar beyond the sky!
Note: "How Long Is The Longest Night" is a hymn by Bonney Olin in the musical setting DIADEMATA, which might be familiar to
churchgoers as the tune of "Crown Him with Many Crowns."
- - -
