Thrushsong: June 2007

Rizpah

This evening as I looked out on the fields from the second floor of the nursing home where I work, I saw in the fading sunlight a circle of vultures sitting around a dark object lying in the windrows of freshly mown hay. As they converged a doe came out from the trees at the edge of the field to drive them back. This little dance continued. Because there was once a time in my life when I worked in hayfields, I have little difficulty visualizing the fawn that hid in the tall grass until it was too late to escape the sickle bar of the mowing machine and now shorn of its legs it will not live through the night.

I cry out for young ones cut down in the spring of their lives. I cry out for mothers who grieve for them as they die. I cry out also for my 90 year old patient whose leg is dying and who will die with it, and for my 98 year old patient with pneumonia whose life began in Poland, who as a young woman worked the sweatshops in Brooklyn, whose children and grandchildren became doctors and lawyers and business people, and who asks me tonight how my children are rather than complain about her own situation. I cry out against death and dying, but in the end I know the vultures will come.

Last Sunday I drove from Walla Walla, Washington with Alban, his friend Kristin, and his roomate Phil, to worship at the Church of the Redeemer in Pendleton, Oregon where Alban has been serving as church organist. It was a very warm, welcoming, and happy experience. As you might imagine, the service was quite interactive including hymns to sing, responsive readings, times to stand up, times to kneel down, opportunities to "share peace"and an invitation to communion. Most in attendance were my age or older. It became apparent in conversation with them after the service that they had adopted Alban as "their son" and were in many ways accepting the role of spiritual parents. Kristin graciously helped me make my way through the service and lent me her camera to take these pictures.

Philip Gray, Kristin McMiller, and Alban

Kristin McMiller, Mrs. Moss, Alban, Reverend Moss, and Philip Gray

Alban talking with a friend after church.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Alban at Walla Walla. He performed the part of Claudio in the Shakespeare comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. These photos are not ideal due to the no flash policy but will give you an idea.