The prayer shawl: a poem by Wendy Westley

shawl, image from Pixabay

The prayer shawl

I liked the idea of a prayer shawl.

Softly covering me with gentle grace,

Muted colours, wool, and the whitest lace perhaps.

Wrapped in someone else’s murmuring,

I would know I was profoundly loved

And touched by human tenderness.

I wanted to learn more but found only

The required number of knots and cornered tassels.

All I wanted was to feel the sheltering of feathered wings,

A frighted chick hiding from worldly storms.

Wearily I laid down my research                                                 

And looked towards the bluest aqua sky,

Tinged with threads of pink and gold.

It was a covering divine and freely given to us all.

A celestial prayer shawl generously made with love.

Wendy Westley was a successful nurse and midwife for many years in the National Health Service, England, and now writes short stories and poetry

in retirement. She belongs to a creative writing group and has had her poetry published in poetry journals and magazines: Pulsar Poetry webzine, Amethyst Review, Spirit Fire Review. Underbelly Magazine,

and The Seventh Quarry Press. Her first book,

‘Sun hats & staying home,’ was launched on March 1st, 2025, in the West Midlands.

June 2025 issue