St. Francis at the Corner Pub
Approaching the door, you can already
hear his generous laughter.
He stands on the bar upside down for a moment
to get a new perspective on things,
a flash of polka-dotted boxers
as his brown robe cascades over his head,
sandaled toes wiggling in the air in time with
a fiddle playing in the corner.
Rain falls heavily in the deepening darkness
and he orders a round of drinks
despite his vow of poverty and the single silver coins
in his pocket, multiplied by the last Guinness poured.
Nothing like a good glass of wine, he gleefully says,
heavy Italian accent echoing through the room,
he holds it up to the overhead light, pausing for a moment
lost in its crimson splendor, breathes deeply.
At ease among fishmongers and plumbers,
widows and college students, and the
single mother sneaking out for a moment
of freedom from colic, cries, and diapers.
As the wind blows rain sideways, in come the
animals, benvenuti to pigeons, squirrels, seagulls, crows,
and the neighborhood cat balding from mange,
a chorus of yowls, coos, caws, and meows arising,
all huddle around him. No one objects to the growing
menagerie, just glad to be dry and warm.
He clinks glasses all around, no one left out.
~ Christine Valters Paintner, Dreaming of Stones: Poems
Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims,
Blessings! The feast of St. Francis is this Sunday, October 4th! A much-loved dancing monk and saint here at Abbey of the Arts. I wrote the poem above several years ago imagining what Francis would be like at the local pub, knowing his playful delight and joyfulness.
I offer the following excerpt from our book Dancing Monk Feast Days which includes 52 of our dancing monk icons created by delightful artist Marcy Hall with creative invitations and prayers written by our wonderful Program Director Melinda Thomas.
St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1182–c. 1226)
“The world is my monastery.”
Francis founded in Italy one of the most widespread and enduring religious orders. His focus on simplicity and spirituality led him to become a reformer within the Catholic Church, helping to rebuild it. He received the Stigmata (or marks of Christ’s Crucifixion) as a sign of his devotion. Francis is known for his strong connection to nature and is the patron saint of animals. Many churches today still hold “blessing of the animals” ceremonies on his feast day, October 4th.
Francis invites you to consider:
How might you deepen your intimacy with nature?
Creative Invitation
You are invited to spend some time connecting with nature. You might choose to take a contemplative walk allowing your gaze to rest upon the vegetation, animals, and elements you see. This can also be done looking out a window. If you have an animal companion, enjoy a few intentional moments where you are fully present to their ways of being in the world: the feel of their fur or skin, the sounds they make, the love they give, etc. You can also do this with animals you see outside your window. Write, dance, sing, or offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the living world that companions you.
Prayer
Holy and Loving God, we give thanks for all of creation and for the example of St. Francis. Help us hear your call to simplify our lives so we may unearth our authentic connection with you. Like Francis, may we release what is no longer needed. May our letting go free us up to hear the calls of the earth and our plant and animal kin beckoning us into tender relationship with the wild matrix of being.
