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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AT A TEA PARTY by BERNICE SWANSON

First Line: OVER THE TEACUP'S RIM
Last Line: AND MAKE ME WHOLE.
Subject(s): GOD; MAN-WOMAN RELATIONSHIPS; RELIGION; MALE-FEMALE RELATIONS; THEOLOGY;

Over the teacup's rim,
Above the cutting steel of honeyed words,
Another woman's eyes look into mine,
And see my naked soul,
The target of the gossips' swords.
I could not ask from Him
The courage of that kindling spark that girds
Me for the morrow;
A spark that glows and flames
To light my dim and tortuous path
Which leads through agony of sorrow
And has repentance as its goal.
And yet she flings to me,
As He to Magdalene, the shield of hope
To hide my nakedness and shame;
She gives in one brief glance
An understanding message in His name
That serves to heal my wounds
And make me whole.



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