Weaving an Easter Basket
Weaving an Easter Basket: A Lullaby for a Little World
Poem By Alice Jane-Marie Massa
Why does this springtime seem so bleak?
Taken aback, I heard the news yesterday:
The Archbishop proclaimed no services during Holy Week,
No Mass in church on Easter Sunday.
So, besides holding hands together in prayer,
Let us use our prayerful hands
To weave an Easter basket.
We have seventeen days–plenty of time.
Let us start with a base of understanding.
Each spoke will stand as common sense.
The first reeds, first weavers, will be counted blessings.
Second weavers, double weavers, will be reeds of patience.
Twisted weavers will combine strength of spirit and endurance.
Finishing touches work into a sturdy handle of hope.
What shall we put into our Easter baskets?
Begin with a soft gingham cloth of gentleness.
Add a few decorative containers of kindness.
Insert a couple of cards of humor.
No, no–do not hoard items in your basket!
Let the basket overflow only with love.
Finally, tie a ribbon around the handle–
A ribbon for remembrance
Of better times, easier days,
Of daffodils that will perennially bloom
And trumpet mellow notes of good cheer
Until tiny lilies-of-the-valley harmonize a lullaby
And rock this little world to calming sleep.
* * *
Hug your home, stay safe and wisely well!
Alice and Leader Dog Willow
March 25, 2020, Wednesday
alice13wordwalk 
Dear Alice,
I just tried to post this and did not succeed, so am trying again. It seems you took your own advice about using poetry as therapy. I really enjoyed reading this beautifully written poem after reading so much negative news this morning. The poem is inspiring without being preachy. Please give yourself and Willow a big hug from me. I don’t have to tell you to keep the faith. Thank you!
Sue
Good morning, Sue–Thanks so much for taking the extra time to post your comment! Yes, you were successful the second time; and I do appreciate your kind words. Since this poem was more challenging to write than are many, I am grateful to hear your response to the poem.
Hoping to talk with you soon! Take good care–Alice and Willow
Dear Alice,
I appreciate your soothing words during this troubling time of uncertainty. Thank you for the image of the delicate, yet strong, Easter basket filled with joys to come.
Wishing you a peaceful Lent and the promise of a Blessed Easter!
Love to you and Willow,
Mary
Mary–In the midst of these extraordinary times, thanks for taking the time to read and comment on this poem. You will know that the lilies-of-the-valley at the end of this poem have a duality of purpose because they, to me, also represent “home”–the beautiful tiny flowers that hugged the east side of the foundation of our Blanford home. Last spring seemed so much cheerier when my friend Sue brought me a garden container filled with lilies-of-the-valley to remind me of home all of late last spring and throughout the summer of 2019–what we will now forever think of as a simpler, easier time of plenty.
Take care, enjoy and relax this weekend–Alice & Willow