Blessed are you – East Gippsland

blessed are you
who walk the scorching beaches
and shelter in the ocean
brushing burning embers
God beside you

blessed are you
who weep with grief and sorrow
and bear an ashen image
of a life of green and growing
God beside you

blessed are you
who face the firestorm’s fury
and volunteer for danger
companions in the battle
God beside you

blessed are you
who work to bring together
the rallied deeds of angels
and shape a place of respite
God beside you

blessed are you
who set a bowl of water
in the wilderness of burning
to care for little creatures
God beside you

blessed are you
who wait with calm and coping
engage in patient listening
approach with wine and welcome
cook for crowds of strangers
clothe and house your neighbours
pray for rest and rainfall
God beside you

Jennie Gordon, 01/01/2020