from the Committee on Ministry and Counsel
High Windows
A Friend recently read this poem by Peggy Purcell at early meeting for worship. It spoke to many Friends. Peggy is thrilled that we like her poem and want to share it with everyone at Ann Arbor Friends Meeting.
High windows in the meeting house
next to the raftered ceiling
witness seasons passing.
Tree tops in view
a piece of sky, grey or blue,
tree branches,
leaves, limbs and snow
testify to change.
Light streams across the floor
where pairs of feet
in shoes – shined or scuffed,
stretched out, tucked in,
lined up or skewed –
relax in scattered seating.
Faces raised or bowed,
eyes open, closed,
some hands folded, held,
arms draped across
the backs of pews
or family members’ shoulders.
Eyes meet across the room,
a smile may bloom
between Friends sharing
the sacred silence.
The meeting house
is bare of decoration
but resplendent
in simplicity –
a testimony to
Friends simply seeking
the Light shining through
plain speaking.
Peggy Purcell