A Summer Psalm

If you haven't guessed by now, I love Edward Hays' whimsical poetry prayers. Here's one that fits today... from p. 117 of Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim: A Personal Manual for Prayer and Ritual (Forest of Peace Books Inc. 1989. ISBN 0939516-10-1).

A Psalm of the Prophet Summer

O Sacred Creator of heaven and earth,
     like a loving parent with a choice Christmas gift,
     you keep your present of paradise
     hidden away from my sight.

Your son Jesus said that eye has not seen nor ear heard
     what you have dreamed up for us
     when we finally come home to you.
But I wonder: are there seasons in heaven
     just as there are on earth?

Or have you chosen one of earth's four as your favourite,
     one unending, changeless season of bliss
     for those who love you?
If so, I'd bet that you selected summer,
     with its picnics and leisurely pace,
     with its fun and play and whole-hearted zest.

I'd lay odds that you set apart summer,
     the season of vacations --
     children's favourite free time,
     when both young and old
     drink in the enjoyment of life --
     to be the work-free environment
     of your heavenly paradise.
May I, by your grace, taste your eternal sabbath
     in the warm pleasures of this summer day,
     and slowly savor the flavor of your reward
     in the nectar of this summer night.
+AMEN.