by Janet Helgert
The Fifth Wednesday of Lent
Jeremiah 25:30-38 Psalms 119:145-176, 128, 129, 130 Romans 10:14-21 John 10:1-18
Tall needles pierce my skin.
Crystal tears flow from within.
Melt away this pain!
Many needles, protruding
From my taut body,
Invade its source.
Like soldiers in battle
They stand quite erect.
Their success I do suspect!
How many are needed
To heal this ample pain?
I count them once again.
I view a single needle
Up very close.
Such strange magic it holds.
I alight from the table
Free from needles
And prior pain.
What is this chi
That has made a well person
Of a sick me?
Freed from the potent prison
Of pain, at last!
Thanks be to God!