Thou that hearest, listen --
In the beginning is the cry --
inarticulate -- inchoate -- essential.
The primal cry of desire.
Much later comes the word --
ordered -- various --
pattern on a dark glass.

O, how we must listen
to hear the wanting within the word
O, listen to hear the meaning
in the soul of what is said.

The first act of a prophet
is to hear one's own first cry.

In the silence, let us listen...

Desire is good
and longing is the first prayer.
Let us bless ourselves with knowing
and bless each other with words that are true.
And let us be glad. Amen.