'Embrace', a poem by Canon Vanessa Herrick, Director of Ministry and Vocation and Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of Ely. This poem was read at the Ridley Hall, Cambridge event 'Lost and Found' on 17 March 2006
Reflections on the painting 'The Forgiving Father'
by Frank Wesley (1923-2002)
Found.
Found.
Wanting to find and to be found.
Found wanting?
Stopped in mid-track in cross embrace,
Not cross, but loved, forgiven, held.
A leaning in.
The body limp, distorted, weak.
A lifeless living, loosed, let go, liberated into love;
Clinging on to mercy.
The bones of poverty exposing the frame of a lost existence.
Yet found.
Matted hair and naked feet -
Extremes of darkness, the dust of death.
'Father, forgive', his words wrung dry -
A suspended echo hung on silent lips.
Faceless.
Buried in a father's embrace.
With hidden tears.
Another pietà.
Nothing to give except himself.
A would-be slave
Found wanting.
Yet found.
Found.
Found.
Stopped in mid-track in cross embrace,
Not cross, but loving, forgiving, holding.
A leaning in.
The body strong, broad, steady, still.
Surrounding love enfolding fear
Pressing hands secure and safe.
The bones of age revealing the relief of a deeper joy.
Not lost, but found.
Ringed fingers pass through matted hair -
Upholding righteousness, soothing a troubled mind.
White robes - a forgiving purity encompassing a poverty of soul.
Anticipating honour - an excess of grace:
'Not dead, but alive - let the feasting begin.'
Yet faceless, still
Buried in a son.
With hidden tears.
Another pietà.
Embracing before embraced.
Wanting. Wanting.
And found.
Canon Vanessa Herrick is Director of Ministry and Vocation and Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of Ely
