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.