“for in Love’s field was never found / a nobler weapon than a wound.” 

A biography of St. Theresa of Avila brought me to this quote from Richard Cranshaw’s poetic tribute to her. The quote stayed with me for months, demanding exploration. Times of great loss can lead us into retreat and calcification; and they can also be the beginning of growth. I pray that all of us might find that our wounded hearts eventually become fertile fields.

My text is matched with the wonderful tune THE ROWAN TREE. You can preview or purchase this piece here. It is also included in my collection Elemental Joy.