Crown of Thorns

I stack chairs and straighten others
oblivious to what’s taking place around me
two of my sisters sit nearby
one quietly talking
the other listening, allowing space and time

the talking ebbs into
near silent tears
unleashed deep from within her soul

I’m drawn
sit down
pray quietly in the spirit
for my sister
hurting . . .
soul leaking down her face

The depth of her cry
strangely familiar
an echo of my own soul
not many months ago
but as I listened,
I realized
healing had peacefully arrived in my own soul
the scab replaced
with a scar of compassion

We prayed
continue to pray
for healing and wholeness
of her soul
provided by the crown of thorns
which pierced Jesus’ head