Pain Has an Element of Blank

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This resource relating to Jeremiah 15:15-21 provides a poem by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) highlighting the constant existence of pain and a poem by Maya Angelou (1928-2016) highlighting loneliness and the need for connection.
Paid Resource: 
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Lectionary: 
Revised Common Lectionary
Source: 
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth: 
N
Audio/Video: 
N
Full Text: 
*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Jeremiah 15:15-21 CLASSIC POEM: Pain Has An Element of Blank Emily Dickinson Pain has an element of blank; It cannot recollect When it began, or if there were A day when it was not. It has no future but itself, Its infinite realms contain Its past, enlightened to perceive New periods of pain *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Alone Maya Angelou SNIPPET: Lying, thinking Last night How to find my soul a home Where water is not thirsty And bread loaf is not stone I came up with one thing And I don’t believe I’m wrong … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]
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role: 
Primary Author
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Emily Dickinson
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Primary Author
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Maya Angelou
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Key Scriptures: 
Jeremiah 15:15-21
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year A Proper 17 (Ordinary Time 22)
Date: 
Monday, August 28, 2023