Lost Daughter

I evicted all my prayer,

I cleaned myself of all that’s joy.

I turned my back to saints and faced sinners,

I turned away from God.

I stripped my walls bare of crosses,

Images protecting my soul.

No more sanctuary or Vatican,

There is no place for my wretched soul.

My baptism blotted,

My confirmation annulled.

There will be no more absolution

For this wicked daughter turned from God.

Burn me at the stake, purify my soul!

Wash me in the blood of the Lamb,

Remake me in the image of God.

Renew my faith, revoke my eviction.

May incense take up my prayers,

Let the smoke envelop new hope.

Deliver them to the knowing Spirit!

May His burning flame relight my path.

In the dark valley I have walked,

Fear washing over my soul,

But I followed a star to that manger,

I followed this man with a Cross.

Compassionate eyes looked upon me,

Windows that looked through my soul.

In his gaze I found Salvation.

Refuge for a lost daughter come home.

Marieugenia Cardona