Mothering the Cup

Source: dreamstime.com
Where you rest now, may your heart be cupped
in the hands of our Mother Mary.
As Eve herself might cradle in her creased hands
a pomegranate to share with
the beyond-the-garden-world.

Ah, my mother,
what I would not give to sip a cup of tea
at the kitchen table with you being the age I am now,
the woman you were then,
and always will be in our groaning hearts.

Well, until my blood runs cold anyway, and my risen-heart
is rekindled in our Mother's embrace,
like the act of mothering a cup.*
Every breath - just breathing - is a prayer for you
to catch across the abyss
because you gave me spirit. 

I breathe-prayer to repay a mother's love,
sure that was my first great blessing.

++++++++++++++++++++++
"Mothering a cup" is to prepare tea ware
 - teapots or cups - before pouring the
tea into the vessel.

Bryan Manning is a second year Jesuit novice from Torbay, Newfoundland. On long experiment at the moment, he is a guest of the Anishinaabe people in the unceded territory of Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island.

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8 Comments
  • Margaret Manitowabi
    Posted at 06:07h, 12 May Reply

    There is a sacredness to everyday tasks watch and observe the love of our Earthly mom and heavenly mom Mary. It is the month of May. May you enjoy your cup of tea and be in presence with mom, physically or spiritually and don’t forget the mothering of your cup. Yes what great loving conversations

  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 07:53h, 12 May Reply

    Thank you Bryan!

  • Henry Mandamin
    Posted at 08:18h, 12 May Reply

    Good morning, nice to have you in Wiky

  • Rosella Kinoshameg
    Posted at 10:16h, 12 May Reply

    Minowagimi niibiishabo. Miigwetch!

  • John Meehan
    Posted at 10:52h, 12 May Reply

    Wonderful poem, Bryan. Miigwech!

  • Rosemary Pitawanakwat
    Posted at 11:51h, 12 May Reply

    Nishin Bryan!! What a wonderful prayer poem that I will enjoy every time I have tea time. I will share with family and friends. Chi miigwetch.

  • Ada MacDonald
    Posted at 12:09h, 12 May Reply

    Beautiful!
    Nic to know you are in beautiful Wiikwemkoong!
    Thanks for remembering our mothers.

  • Bill Clarke, sj
    Posted at 13:42h, 13 May Reply

    Thank you Bryan for this beautiful tribute to our mothers.

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