Ending the Fast of Silence

When you have reached the end
Of your silence --
Speak!

The lungs
Spring open
When the swimmer bursts
To the surface--
Breathe!

The music flows forth
From the prisoner
Reunited with his
Instrument --
Play!

From the supplicant
Who feels
The bright light
Of God
On her shoulders,
After decades of
Fasting and
Prayer --
Shout!
Sing out
To your Maker!

And so I
To you
Return
Because
My lungs ache,
My arms reach,
My voice calls

Back to you,
Who have always sustained me.

The Fast being over,
And the silence carefully weighed,
I return to you
Grateful for the
Hunger,
Absorbed in your light,
Determined to join
With you

In the communion
Of climbing
Souls.

--Mr. Gobley