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Woman! the Power who left his throne on high,And deigned to wear the robe of flesh we wear,The Power that thro' the straits of InfancyDid pass dependent on maternal care,His own humanity with Thee will share,Pleased with the thanks that in his People's eyeThou offerest up for safe DeliveryFrom Childbirth's perilous throes. And should the HeirOf thy fond hopes hereafter walk … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXVII – Thanksgiving After Childbirth, By: William Wordsworth

The Vested Priest before the Altar stands;Approach, come gladly, ye prepared, in sightOf God and chosen friends, your troth to plightWith the symbolic ring, and willing handsSolemnly joined. Now sanctify the bandsO Father! to the Espoused thy blessing give,That mutually assisted they may liveObedient, as here taught, to thy commands.So prays the Church, to consecrate a Vow"The … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXVI – The Marriage Ceremony, By: William Wordsworth

By chain yet stronger must the Soul be tied:One duty more, last stage of this ascent,Brings to thy food, mysterious Sacrament!The Offspring, haply, at the Parent's side;But not till They, with all that do abideIn Heaven, have lifted up their hearts to laudAnd magnify the glorious name of God,Fountain of grace, whose Son for sinners died.Ye, who have duly weighed the summons, … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXV – Sacrament, By: William Wordsworth

“What is it?” I said first thing in the morning. She was in the lobby. People pecked at the keys on their keyboards. Secretaries fielded calls to agents, and the copy machine spit copies for signatures. Coffee hung thick, as did workers’ bath soaps. Carmen’s office had a window, and the view of the I-5 was enough to entertain the bored of heart. We processed life insurance … [Read more...] about Fake Boyfriend, By: Andrew Cyr

Shun not this Rite, neglected, yea abhorred,By some of unreflecting mind, as callingMan to curse man, (thought monstrous and appalling.)Go thou and hear the threatenings of the Lord;Listening within his Temple see his swordUnsheathed in wrath to strike the offender's head,Thy own, if sorrow for thy sin be dead,Guilt unrepented, pardon unimplored.Two aspects bears Truth needful … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – XXIX – The Commination Service, By: William Wordsworth