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Before an Icon
Before an Icon
The unbeliever is challenged
The intellectual is lost for words
The theologian feels small
The artist's heart is filled with joy
The contemplative finds fresh inspiration
Those who thought they were strong are disarmed
The child throws wide its arms, and smiles.
Anon.
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I have a fuller version of 'Before an Icon', still anon, from HJ Richards: An Anthology for the Church Year, p.318. After your first five lines (... inspiration) it continues: "Those who are distressed find peace, Those who thought they were strong are disarmed, The wounded find healing, The fainthearted find confidence, The thirsty are refreshed, The poor man listens and understands,
The child throws wide its arms and smiles." I like:'The poor man ..'
which catches the value of the icon for the non-believer.
Best wishes to you both, Margaret & Graham L.
Posted by: Graham Little | November 02, 2010 at 04:38 PM
Hello Graham - I have the same version in the same book - I edited it. Interesting each reader is likely to prefer some lines to others. Which is fine - I'd always expect not only that each person respondes differently to the same icon - but that we respond differently ourselves depending on mood, circumstances and where we are on our journey.
Posted by: Jim Gordon | November 06, 2010 at 09:10 AM