Choice

By Jean Liebenthal

Am I, like Martha,

too immersed in homely

chores—too single-minded

in my day’s pursuits

of worldly worries which,

by heaven’s time,

won’t count for much—

or so intent today on

busywork that I don’t pray,

or keep my soul

in touch with the divine?

And do I

(oh, yes, conscientiously)

keep thoughts so fixed

on duties of my hands,

this hour’s demands,

that I’ve no time to spare

to dry His sweet feet

with my bowed soul’s hair?

Oh, may I pattern

after Mary’s way

and choose the better part,

asking forgiveness

at those tender feet

washed with my hope,

anointed with my heart.

Photography by Craig Dimond