In Service of Shadows
Tenebrae:
ritual
requires
all candles
extinguished.
Acknowledge
in darkness
this planet,
this grieving.
I’m continually fascinated by how some people – communities or individuals – can make space for grief … and how some others relentless insistence on ‘this’ being some Part Of The Plan or Lesson. Sometimes awful things like pandemics, fascists, genocide, and war happen. Who wouldn’t weep? Who hasn’t?
(It also occurred to me after the drawing was done that it might have made more sense to draw the candle in grayscale, since tenebrae means shadows… but, oh well.)
Poetry Friday is hosted today at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme. Thanks, Matt!
Oh, that final stanza brings me to my knees.
Also, I’ve never even heard of tenebrae???
@Liz Garton Scanlon: I’d never heard of it either ’til meeting Presbyterians at this particular church. I guess it’s an old thing that not everyone does anymore, but dear God did we need it this year. They also have a Blue Christmas service – again, room for not feeling perky and perfect and merry and bright. I love that about this group.
In my Catholic church growing up, Good Friday always meant stations of the cross, so I’ve never been to a Tenebrae service.
During our service today (in the university chapel), I was particularly moved as each of 7 candles was extinguished after the reading of the last words.
This tricube is moving, particularly the last stanze.
@MissRumphius: I’ve only done music at Catholic churches outside of holidays. I have done Easter at Episcopal churches, though – now there are some people who have a handle on using light and darkness well in a service!
The darkness and grieving are real.
@MaryLee: This year more than ever.