595 - Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday
By Kathy Coffey

We know the inevitable end,
yet walk this way with song.
With each step into story
the story permeates us.

This annual trudge to Calvary
the impulse to Jersualem
no angel encouragement
no accompanying miracle.

We cluster like women who weep
recruited like unwilling Simon
offering our crooked consolations,
yet Christ took comfort from a thief.

Girls lift altar cloths aloft
borne in graceful arms like shrouds
or banners, woven in white linen
heralding this sacred way we walk.

A frequent contributor to THEOLOGY TODAY, Kathy Coffey teaches English at the University of Colorado, Denver, and at Regis College. Her work has also appeared in America, Spiritual Life, National Catholic Reporter, and the Christian Century.