Poetry
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Reflections From Life Itself

 

Upon Seeing Project Mercy For The First Time

 

I accompanied a group from Menlo Church to Ethiopia in 2006 and found that a trip with this much emotional impact lends itself to many forms of expression and remembrance.

One, for me, was poetry, and three poems were the result.

This second poem of the three was written after our introduction to Project Mercy and its people. We had been given a tour that highlighted the work that was being done at Project Mercy, but even more importantly she highlighted for us the spirit behind the work.

Then at dinner I sat with the founder, Marta, who told the story of a time when she was working on a building project with some others and a young boy kept holding onto her leg, hugging her incessantly. He wouldn't let go and since she couldn't keep working with him holding on so firmly, she stopped the work and sat with him and asked, Why are you hugging me so? His response, Because you love me surprised Marta since she had never met him. She asked, How do you know I love you? to which he answered simply, Because of what you have done.

Upon Seeing Project Mercy For The First Time

Beguiling beauty, from what did you spring?
Were you hewn by human hands
from ragged rocks and dry ground, by
calloused hands, brows wet with sweat, sunburned skin
here on this high valley floor
against these majestic Yetebon hills?

Or,
Are you the irresistible product of Love,
Love itself, Love incarnate, a tangible beacon
shining on the One who is Love,
Answering once, yes once for all time, the burning question
on all our lips,
How do I know I'm loved?

O wondrous beguiling beauty,
Wondrous gift of love,
For you we cry, Abba, Father!

Steve Belton
October 29, 2006
Yetebon, Ethiopia