Sermon From a Photograph


Today’s sermon
is tea too cold
to thaw the wind

that ruffles a buzzard’s feathers
as it stares through my kitchen window
daring me to deny mortality.

Today’s sermon
is the sound of a television in the other room
providing sound to fill empty space.

Today’s sermon
is a sweatshirt that smells like my daughter,
gray sleeves helping me feel what I can’t hold.

Today’s sermon
is a picture on a shelf where she smiles
from a photograph urging me to keep
my eyes on blue sky.


©Susie Clevenger 2024


Comments

  1. MaryDecember 12, 2024 at 3:21 PM

    Susie, that is a beautiful and hearfelt 'sermon.' I am so glad the prompt resonated with you! I understand about the television in the other room just filling space. But lately I have been using Apple Music to fill that space. I understand your feeling about that gray sweatshirt. Your daughter lost her life way too soon, and I am glad you have that photo to remind you what is important....

    ReplyDelete
  2. rallentandaDecember 13, 2024 at 3:38 AM

    Heartfelt sympathy for you dear Susie. Your grief is palpable. Lovely photo. Hugs !

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sumana RoyDecember 13, 2024 at 7:03 AM

    The loving smile seems to fill up the infinite blue sky. Beautiful and heartbreaking, Susie.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sherry Blue SkyDecember 13, 2024 at 7:34 AM

    Oh Susie, that grey sweatshirt!!! Pings the heartstrings. As does the photo of her beautiful face. A missing that never goes away.

    ReplyDelete
  5. FireblossomDecember 13, 2024 at 11:21 AM

    <3

    ReplyDelete
  6. RajaniDecember 15, 2024 at 5:59 PM

    How wonderfully you have written about your massive grief... hugs and strength to you, Susie.

    ReplyDelete
  7. DoraDecember 16, 2024 at 8:08 PM

    Absence felt and communicated so acutely, Susie, just from that kitchen, preaching your pain and grief. How glad I am that it ends with that beautiful photograph and its urging! Her smile and blue skies.

    ReplyDelete

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