Burning Issue

The wound so deep

- a grey-green jagged shard of pain

rips through my soul,

my heart,

my very brain.

The world stands still

-so much unreal

imagination;

I crumple

on a desert isle of disbelief

spinning wildly

powerless desperation;

I wonder weakly

'Where is God in this

-in this insane configuration?

My God, can I believe

you know,

or care at all?'

A cloud of silence

-mother's milk of love

descends,

permeates and stills my soul.

"My child,

I share your pain

and weep beside you.

I am your comfort,

ever-present strength

in all of this.

"Lean on me now

-release your burden

and I will hold you

lest you fall."

 Jean Mayers

This poem was written by Jean Mayers as a reflection on the Victorian bushfires and God's presence throughout this period of devastation. We hope that Uniting Church members and congregations can reflect upon it and gain comfort from it.