Blessed Mother

Bless my Mom, Lord

Bless the one who sat beneath the almond tree

On Almond Avenue

In the hills above the City of Gold

Bless the one who asked you for me

This Hannah who gave a son back to you

This Anna so close and dear to you

Enfold her in your wings

Drown her in your oil of joy

Fill her cup, Lord

Show her your mercy

Every promise, every blessing

Contend with those who contend with her

And save her children

Fulfill to her your promise over them

Great will be their peace

The arrows of her beloved's quiver

Her sons from afar

Her daughter on the arm

And double portion, double portion

Double for her shame

Fill her cup Lord, fill it, fill it

No longer the dregs of oppression

But sweet wine from her own vineyard

Peace and joy in the Holy City

Stephen Pursell,

for Willene Pursell on Mother's Day, 4/4/04