Eucharist

Salty broth raised
in spoonfuls to
parched lips, hot
stock shimmying
down scratchy throats.
Healing the physical
body seems almost linear.
Mending a broken
spirit impossibly twisted.

Grocery shelves host
chicken, beef, vegetable broths,
but no label boasts Soul Broth.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

What is this divine nourishment?
Heaven-sent manna,
water-transfigured wine,
endless loaves-and-fishes buffets:

Blessed are those
who hunger
and thirst
after righteousness.

--
Dr. Kellie Brown is a violinist, conductor, music educator, poet, and award-winning writer whose book, The Sound of Hope: Music as Solace, Resistance and Salvation during the Holocaust and World War II (McFarland Publishing, 2020), received one of the Choice Outstanding Academic Titles award. Her words have appeared in Earth & Altar, Ekstasis, Psaltery & Lyre, Foreshadow, Clayjar Review, and others. In addition to over 30 years of music ministry, she serves as a certified lay minister in the United Methodist Church.