"Lenten gifts"

The writer, from Winnipeg, dedicates this poem to Doreen Snyder of Waterloo, Ontario, who died on the first Sunday of Lent, March 1. Leona said she was working on the last part of the poem when she heard of Doreen's death. "I will miss sharing grandmothering with her," commented Leona, whose son is married to Doreen's daughter.

I

except for three wise men bringing gifts of gold myrrh and frankincense (strange gifts for an infant child) he tended to be the giver not the receiver

always, people pressing and pushing and shoving around him with outstretched hands reaching and touching and wanting so much: bread and fish and water turned into wine and healing and wisdom …