Manna

By Karma K. Wasden

Second Place Winner

I stretch my hand

To pluck the seed-like flakes,

Bowing over the full basket,

Feeling the weight of His love,

Knowing that from this harvest

I must grind and bake.

Small chore for sweet bread

Freely offered,

Bread mixed with tears

For this

Sustaining

Source of life.

I stretch my hand

To partake of broken bread,

Bowing over a full heart,

Feeling the weight of His pain.

Knowing that from His harvest

I may repent, take on His name.

Small chore for sweet forgiveness

Freely offered,

Forgiveness mixed with tears

For Him—for this

Sustaining

Bread of Life.