Anna’s Tale

There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luk 2:36-38)

(Back to ‘Loaves and Fishes.’)

Mine hasn’t been an easy life, I think that’s fair to say.
I’ve been a widow eighty years, if it’s been a day.
My husband died when my kid was five, and I raised him on my own.
And I was forced to scrimp and scrape to pay off all the loan.

But that was many years ago.  My son is dead and gone
Along with all my family.  Somehow it seems so wrong
That I alone am left alive, still, after all these years
Of hopes and fears, of joy and pain, of laughter and of tears.

But do not think me bitter: I do not feel ill done.
For I have found the greatest prize – Yes, I have seen God’s Son!
You see that little baby there: – He’s crying now in pain,
Yet that is just the start of it: His grief will be our gain.

And if you think me hard done by, then listen to me, do:
This precious child is born to die, in agony, for you.
Your every sorrow, every fear, every hurt and woe
Your blackest deeds, your deepest shame, no matter yet how low,

It’s laid on Him; He is the One Isaiah has foretold –
God’s Innocent.  This tiny frame is destined soon to hold
Within Himself all of my past, each sad and lonely hour;
My anger, and my penitence, transforming by His power

My death to life, my end to hope, my night to endless day.
For nothing ill can touch me now that I have found the Way.
And so I say to you, my friend, just look upon this Lamb
This proof of life eternal, the Love of God, made man.

Kevin King, 8/12/02