Hymn to the Mother of Hope

You are a breath of calm
amidst the waves of the ocean
Light upon light in my being
Renewal of devotion
Dark as the new-moon mountain night
Infused with the radiance of stars
Love upon love to my center flows
From the Center who You are.

You are the Winter’s sacred, inward-turning, secret light
The birthing time of Spring
The fertile ground of Summer’s might
Letting go in transmutation
As Autumn’s nights grow long again
Yet You remain, Eternal One,
Without beginning, without end.

You are the Mother of Hope in a time of disillusion
Wise beyond wise yet a child
Undefiled, without confusion
Constellations dance in awe
And harmonies reach us from afar
All celebrating with pure joy
The strong Compassion who you are.

- Patricia Campbell Carlson

Related Readings:  Br. David Steindl-Rast's prayer for the strength to be gentle.