Thread of Life
Thread of Life
The world hangs by a thin thread, and that thread
is the psyche of man. ~ C.G. Jung
We are hung, lowered into life by a thin thread,
ribbon of the umbilical cord
wrapped about our neck, rope that the sun
swung upon, unwound from the heavens,
dropped down from the holy house.
The knotted cord swings past a sickle moon
and stars carved on the walls of creation
like a hatchmark of Xs
blink at this body, unwinding on its string.
Head swung to one side, we turn on the rope
of the soul, dangling in umber light
among dust motes and clay.
Beside us in the bluster of winds
small figures whirr on what might be wings
or flames that seem to be turning.
A woman carries the consecrated host
her hands cupped upward
like a chalice, and a great presence
holds up one hand, palm turned outward
fingers risen, in the tender sign of healing,
still point at the heart of the turning.
Poet: Jan Lee Ande
© Jan Lee Ande
All rights reserved
Publications:
Reliquary:
Texas A&M University
Instructions for Walking on Water:
Ashland Poetry Press
