Sister Carmen Bernos de Gasztold was a Benedictine nun and gifted writer. In her book entitled Prayers from the Ark, the French poet gave voice to God’s creatures who sailed with Noah.

During a season of summer reruns, I am sharing again a sampling of my favorite poems. Today’s selection comes from thoughtful musings of The Prayer of the Tortoise.

A little patience,

O God,

I am coming.

One must take nature as she is!

It was not I who made her!

I do not mean to criticize

this house on my back–

it has its points–

but You must admit, Lord,

it is heavy to carry!

Still,

let us hope that this double enclosure,

my shell and my heart,

will never be quite shut to You.

Sister Carmen Bernos de Gasztold was a Benedictine nun and gifted writer. In her book entitled Prayers from the Ark, the French poet gave voice to God’s creatures who sailed with Noah.

During a season of summer reruns, I am sharing again a sampling of my favorite poems. Today’s selection comes from thoughtful musings of The Prayer of the Ox.

Dear God,

Give me time.

Humans are always so driven!

Make them understand that I can never hurry.

Give me time to eat.

Give me time to plod.

Give me time to sleep.

Give me time to think.

Amen.

Sister Carmen Bernos de Gasztold was a Benedictine nun and gifted writer. In her book entitled Prayers from the Ark, the French poet gave voice to God’s creatures who sailed with Noah.

During a season of summer reruns, I am sharing again a sampling of my favorite poems. Today’s selection highlights the lumbering, plodding efforts of The Prayer of the Elephant.

Dear God,

It is I, the elephant,

Your creature,

Who is talking to You.

I am so embarrassed by my great self,

And truly it is not my fault

If I spoil Your jungle a little with my big feet.

Let me be careful and behave wisely,

Always keeping my dignity and poise.

Give me such philosophic thoughts

That I can rejoice everywhere I go

In the lovable oddity of things.

Amen.

Sister Carmen Bernos de Gasztold was a Benedictine nun and gifted writer. In her book entitled Prayers from the Ark, the French poet gave voice to God’s creatures who sailed with Noah.

During a season of summer reruns, I am sharing again a sampling of my favorite poems. Today’s selection conveys the clever, crafty, requests of The Prayer of the Cat.

Lord,

I am a cat.

It is not exactly, that I have something to ask of You!

No—

I ask nothing of anyone—

But,

If You should have by some chance, in some celestial barn,

A little white mouse,

Or a saucer of milk,

I know someone who would relish them.

Wouldn’t You like someday

To put a curse on the whole race of dogs?

If so, I should say,

Amen.