Unterbrink, Through Italy to Assissi

Instruments of Peace

Ancient Roman arches summoned pilgrims.

Francis vowed, “From darkness, only the light.”

All’s left behind.  In poverty I’m given

an Indulgentia for Christian plight.

From her table, Chiara fed the poor.

Poverty, the privilege she now owned.

When warriors’ threat knocked on the convent door,

Clare mirrored to them the God that she enthroned.

Women joined Clare’s virtuous, austere ways.

She knew to heal body, spirit, and mind.

As Abbess, Clare faced prelates’  imposed says,

until the Pope declared Clare’s rule, in kind.

From shadows, past patterned arch you trod.

In light we stand, each as a gift from God.

~ Pam Miller