Place in Order

Lily ponds, Brooklyn Botanical Garden © Elise Grinstead 2011

Place in order
this love, this affection of
self—
and selfish things.
Place it upon the shelf,
high out of reach, out of
sight—
and visible means.

To now relinquish
this control, this possession of
life—
and slippery rings.
To now submit outward
beyond feeble hands, a deceptive
heart—
and conflicting feelings.

To surrender brings
bestowal of grace, endless reserve of
mercy—
and a humbling.
To surrender means
to deny self, turn away and
embrace—
the Holy Being.