The Prayerbook of John the Baptist

Here is the full text of the poem by Jan Richardson that Laurel read from on Sunday.

The Prayer Book of John the Baptist

Is written on

locusts’ wings.

Is stained with

wild honey.

Is buckled by

baptismal waters.

Is mostly

pages of wilderness

where prayers are formed

not from what is present

but from what has been

worn away.

Is inscribed

with an ancient path.

Is waiting.

Is falling open

toward the light.

Jan Richardson is a poet, artist and minister.