Today’s prompt was very challenging to me. I was asked to write a poem in terza rima. This form consists of three-line stanzas, with a “chained” rhyme scheme. The first stanza is ABA, the second is BCB, the third is CDC, and so on. One common way of ending a terza rima poem is with a single line standing on its own, rhyming with the middle line of the preceding three-line stanza.

And so I chose to reflect upon Lent as we enter Holy Week and the culmination of all things hope filled. May it offer grace to the reader.

lenten reflections

grace speaks of restoration
bringing wholeness to the broken
without a trace of hesitation.

so it is without a single token
of shame i come to the table
to hear words of redemption spoken.

my heart fully open and able
receives forgiveness and healing
without need for blame or label.

the light of the savior revealing
only hope for my wounded heart
the altar of grace not concealing

the ugliness found in some parts.
but in grace i find myself whole
in his resurrection i find a fresh start

a place where gratitude fills my soul.