Negotiated love
No more spontaneous belief
In the wonderfulness of the feelings
Life’s wisdom learned, that everything changes
Discovery that wonder and lust
Live day to day to become something else
Having learned lessons great and small
Negotiate feelings
Carefully caring
Thoughtfully developing
Knowing this new thing
Will be no ordinary love
Make a bargain to be full of wonder
Wondering how we can make this happen
Negotiating rather than falling head over heals
Exploring how separate pasts become a common present
Not assuming the future
Love and dreams young or old
For each of us may unfold
Having hopes of happiness
And finding it knowing we may lose it
That’s the lesson the gray haired lover learned
And negotiated anyway

Lord have mercy
I am here to accompany you.
Lord we long to see your face.
Seeking is enough for now.
Lord how shall we come to you?
Be kind. Seeking me through kindness is sufficient.
What can I do for you, my Lord?
Be like him, ready to serve.
How can we recognize your followers?
All of you who seek to serve the Creator are saints.
How can I be worthy of you?
You were worthy the moment I created you.
Grant us peace.
It is granted.

[an earlier mass]
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