mandé
mandatum
“Commandment”
in Latin.
A brick word –
Unyielding.
Requiring
Adherence,
Demanding
Charity.
Not having been raised with liturgy, I am the girl who’s always wondering, “Wait, what’s this about?” Our ensemble was asked to sing for “Maundy” Thursday. Could say MUCH MORE on the history of the medieval/traditional connection between the day and charitable behavior, but… won’t.
I hadn’t envisioned using crayons for this project, but boy are they faster. Additionally, they (and just scribbling on any old piece of paper, including old planners) help me remember the imperfection I’m meant to embrace within this practice — quick art and poetry made of and in the moment. I literally am requiring myself to let go of the rules for just a tic, scribble and post, the end. Meanwhile, this article on how art makes people healthier gently nudges me to keep going.
Mandatum — like mandate? I love that you’re writing about rules while you play around with crayons…
Letting go of the rules is hard, but can be so much fun. I love the wall of bricks in relation to this poem. Liturgy does feel unyielding.
Our bell choir (when I was in HS) often played at Maundy Thursday services. I knew it was about the Last Supper, but I sure wish the adults had leaned more into the commandment to love and serve others.