TO A’ISHA: FOR YOUR FIRST COMMUNION

Last year the water dribbled down your head;
Today you have received the snow-white host,
Nourishing emblem of pure flesh gashed red,
Blood cleansing all sin through the Holy Ghost.

These given signs and symbols point the way
Of Jesus from the cradle to the grave,
His temple works and truths so you shan’t stray,
Yet never so far that he can’t still save.

You’re growing, moving forwards into life,
A path uncertain, hard where God’s your guide
Who will at last disclose we are the wife
Of gloried Christ, new Zion’s gorgeous bride.

We suffer too among the olive trees;
Lamb’s supper-banquet shall forever please.

MARK EDMUND HUTCHESON