The Madeleine L’Engle book that has been one of my Lenten companions is called A Stone for a Pillow
altar
I was off today,
even though I worked.
I was not myself,
though I was recognized.
I was weary and
restless at the same time;
full of emotion
and searching for words.
I am in the desert,
searching for the stones
we stacked as altars
for days such as these.
Peace,
Milton
Thanks Milton …
ALTAR IN THE FIELD
Words & Music: Bob Bennett
© 1996 Bright Avenue Songs (ASCAP)
I build an altar in the field
So I’ll remember
Back to this time when it’s so real
That I am loved and not alone
And if I pass by here again
I’ll be able to see
My life was scattered like these stones
Until the Lord began to gather me
I build an altar in the field
So I’ll remember
I build an altar in this field
In honor, in memory
Of the many graces I’ve been shown
And the ones I’ve yet to see
And so I leave this symbol
Fashioned by my hand
The marker of a love
That I will never understand
I leave an altar in the field…
And when I’m lost inside my sorrow
Overtaken by my fear
When I am wandering in this wilderness
Perhaps the Lord will lead me here
To this altar in the field
Where I’ll remember
Oh, I will remember
Bob,
I wish I had adequate words to tell you how this song has sustained me over many years. The last verse, in particular, speaks to me–once again–in these days. Thank you, my friend.
Peace.
Milton
Milton, thank you for reminding me of Bob Bennett’s gifts to us and bringing me to his web and resonating offerings whose images and melodies do sustain us over time. Blessings friend, Suz
I love your poem, Milton, and love Bob bennett’s painting of the word “altar” in his song. I got such a strong visual from it.
One of your best. A beautiful reminder to stack stones along the way so we can return to them when we experience inevitable days when we feel lost. Thank you for sharing your soul and such touching songs. Hugs to you.