Our reading from Genesis today includes these words: “At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent out the raven…” (Genesis 8:6-7a). I have seldom paid attention to the “other bird” in this story before today. The role of the dove is well established, but what was the significance of the raven? As I wrestled with that question I wrote the following poem which I have called “Water Birds.”
Where is the raven, Lord?
Gone from the ark and no regrets
reckless, fickle,
willfulness with feathers.
The dove
all olive branch and hope
in Noah’s hands is
tame, docile, (cooing?)
This is your Spirit, Lord,
but does it know
the other
the sinner’s bird amongst the carrion
let loose with freedom
as a messenger to no one
the younger son who never came home
and how you, Lord, long for that raven?
Prayer: Lord, make a place in your heart for all your creatures, those who seek your presence continually, and those whose restlessness leads them far from the shelter you offer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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