A Psalm of Petition

A Psalm of Petition

Steph Ebert

In honor of Susanna Wesely

What I’m asking, the thing I seek, 
Is that you’d pitch a tent in my wilderness, please.
Not the solid, brooding stone of Elijah’s cave.
Not the haunting bird calls and thundering waterfalls
Of David’s wild places. 
A space, a pause,

Just a tent. 

And not the wilderness of solitude and temptation, 
But the one in the midst of the brood of children
Demanding water and quail and peanut butter sandwiches.
That wilderness. 

A fragile, fabric flap, which lets in the sounds
Of laughter and tears and questions
But is somehow strong enough to shield the peace. 

Not high up, on some mighty, manly temple mount, 
But here in my kitchen, or possibly the laundry room.

I want to know
if you will make a table for me in the presence of-- 
If not my enemies, then at least my own children--

If my prayers for parking places, snotty noses
lost toys, lost patience
Are still precious
If you will still meet me, still make my face glow.

I want to know
If the apron flung over my head
Can become a tabernacle. 

---

Steph Ebert
Poet & Writer

Stephanie lives in South Africa and writes about the intersection of beauty and justice. She has been published by Literary Mama and A Life Overseas. You can find more from Steph at stephebert.com

Photography by Janko Ferlic