drawn by my niece, Sheena Graham

DAWN CHORUS

By Helen Jesze, 8^th July 2022

I woke in the early morning, The day was cool and still But then I heard the song-thrush Out on my window-sill. With feathers sleek and breast puffed out He sang to welcome Day, And in his song of joy and life The dark did melt away.

He sang for the joy of living The song of his Maker-Friend. He chirruped and chirped of a life beyond And a love that will never end. And his friend, the blackbird, on the branch Of the nearby chestnut tree Joined the song and sang along Of a time that is yet to be.

They sang deep down into my heart As I listened enraptured there At the beauty, energy, creative love Of this feathered bird-song pair. They did not ask for payment Or if anyone had heard Just followed the urge which the Maker-Friend Has placed within each bird.

Liquid notes of beauty Which soothe an anguished heart Pouring like oil on gaping wounds Touching an inward part Of the man who wrapped in sorrows, Can’t bear to face the day, Reminding of One who heals broken hearts And in the desert makes a way.

Their song called forth in me fresh praise To the wondrous Maker-Friend For encouragement, peace and the joy he gives And that love which will never end; For the gift of sight and the gift of song That I am able to hear; So I’ll listen to the message that they bring to me – These birds in the garden near!

(From “Promise of Spring” Poetry Book by Helen Jesze)

Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father, great Maker-Friend, for your wonderful creation and that you speak to us in myriad ways! Help us never to take for granted your awesome love and that you are constantly reaching out to show it to us; and if there are some reading this who have a bruised, broken heart, send your divine balm and healing – making them new and whole again. In the Name of your Son, Jesus, we pray, Amen.