The Corner Stone

Descriptor: 
This resource relating to Psalm 118 provides a poem by Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) highlighting themes of memory, loss, and the power of the past and a poem by Marie Howe exploring grief's impact.
Paid Resource: 
N
Lectionary: 
Revised Common Lectionary
Source: 
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth: 
N
Audio/Video: 
N
Full Text: 
*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 CLASSIC POEM: The Corner Stone Walter de la Mare Sterile these stones By time in ruin laid. Yet many a creeping thing Its haven has made In these least crannies, where falls Dark’s dew, and noonday shade. The claw of the tender bird Finds lodgment here; Dye-winged butterflies poise; Emmet and beetle steer Their busy course; the bee Drones, laden, near. Their myriad-mirrored eyes Great day reflect. By their exquisite farings Is this granite specked; Is trodden to infinite dust; By gnawing lichens decked. Toward what eventual dream Sleeps its cold on, When into ultimate dark These lives shall be gone, And even of man not a shadow remain Of all he has done? *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: The Gate Marie Howe SNIPPET: I had no idea that the gate I would step through to finally enter this world would be the space my brother’s body made. He was a little taller than me: a young man … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]
Author: 
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Walter de la Mare
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Marie Howe
Content Type: 
Key Scriptures: 
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year C Liturgy of the Palms
Year C Liturgy of the Passion
Date: 
Sunday, April 6, 2025