St. Luke's ELCA
Aug 12, 20202 min
Maya Angelou, a beloved poet of the 20th century wrote a poem entitled, “Alone.” Her poetry has always moved me and this poem is no exception! Having the blessing of hearing her speak and read poetry a few years ago... I have carried the memory close ever-since. Maya’s poetry was and still is a strong voice for the oppressed and vulnerable people of the world, however, some of her poetry speaks to us directly at this moment in history. I would love to share with you one of my favorite Maya’, free verse poems; as you read, please keep forefront her deeply felt awareness of God’s spirit and companionship within.
Many days have passed since the onset of Corvid 19. Loneliness can be a frequent companion but as followers of Jesus we know he has left us with a constant companion… the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises in Hebrews 13:5 “never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” He knows that no one can make it “out here alone” and has left the comforter who will always be by our side. Though there are moments when the walls seem a bit close but the words of May powerfully imply, WE ARE NOT ALONE!
Paul Harshner
Alone
Lying, thinking
Last night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And don’t believe I’m wrong
That nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can Make it out here alone.
There are some millionaires
With money they can’t use
Their wives run round like banshees
Their children sing the blues
They’ve got expensive doctors
To cure their hearts of stone.
But nobody
No, nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Now if you listen closely
I’ll tell you what I know
Storm clouds are gathering
The race of man is suffering
And I can hear the moan,
“Cause nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Maya Angelou