AWAKENING

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By Debra Wendt

At the start,

an intentional design plan before us.

He was with God in the beginning,

through him all things were made

and the Spirit also

hovering across the surface of the waters

while the world was still

dark

empty –

preceding light.

We waited long,

queueing for bread

expecting to be next in line.

Who wants to be first?

We raise our hands.

There is always someone

calculating advantage, elbowing past,

pushing.

The line shifts –

bends.

It fractures.

People walk away.

They enter a valley and sit on the hillside.

First is second.

Through sunrise and sunset,

the passing of generations – fulfillment

of a promise.

Cyclamen sown in the years of waiting

blooms.

Violet flowers bend on slender stalk:

patient,

dependable and good.

Orphans no longer – inheritors.

First published in Penwood Review Spring 2023.