Metaphors for Transformation

Metaphors for Transformation

by Nancy Thomas

I like a quick miracle - 

the slap-dash comedy

of a here's-mud-in-your-eye healing, 

the hilarity of the lame man's leap,

the now-you-see-it-now-you-don't vanishing act 

of the leper's sores, 

the amazing multiplied bread.

I love to see him pull death 

from his black forever hat, 

and instantly change it to a pidgeon

or a sun-flower.

I wish all transformations were so quick, 

so silver-slick and sudden

The deeper changes move slowly.

The Maker nudges, 

and root hairs grope in the dark,

grubbing the soil

for the words that bring life.

Sap swims slowly up the trunk, 

heavy, thick, resisting the downward pull.

In a narrow path it feels its way,

searches all trajectories,

inches out to the tips of the smallest twigs.

As it goes it hums a subtle song, 

a dim but certain gospel.

The tree hushes in anticipation,

waits for spring.