Pause

Sixth Day - almost done.

Are we sure we’re ready?

Light? Good one! Check.

Firmament? Still firm. Check.

Land? Alps and orchards, heaths and beaches. Check.

Stars? Sun, Moon, Saturn, oceans of galaxies. Check.

Birds? Fish and wiggly things? Check.

Animals? Hooting, howling, squeaking, squealing. Check.

All set then. But are we sure?

Can they bear the burden of the Image?

Will they speak the lyric of the Word?

Eternity paused.

And in that pause God dreamed, and in that dream

Were burning forests, air unbreathable,

Rivers and seas were slicked with liquid filth,

Machines for mincing people into mud

Rattled and shuddered, while a billion tongues

Cursed and lamented, insults, taunts and lies…

And drowning in that tide of hate, Himself,

Naked and pierced to the marrow, giving all.

Time woke again, with a sigh that shivers

Trembling through every made thing.

And God said, “Let us make man…”