Poeming Kristin Lavransdatter: Storm

"Before Ascension"

Hello, Poetry Friend

In chapter 3 of “Debtors,” there is a storm. It stood out to me because all the readings for this 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time are about storms.

This storm almost the inverse of the burning church in book 1, when Erlend rushes into the flames to save what can be saved. Here he has already rushed into the flood. He is with the priest, singing with his beautiful voice refererenced only once in this long, long tale.

Before Ascension

Like a miracle the cross –
on the bridge in sun’s full glitter
Fathers and sons sing, “Save us all”

Ave Maria Stella, Star of the Sea,
see the waters sweep away the house –
its center could not hold

Across storm wreckage he stares
into my heart’s dark blue grotto –
the shadow of a smile

–Megan Willome

One reason I read and keep rereading this book (on repeat since spring 2019) is for this scene, in which Kristin sees. She comprehends. And once again, she does the wrong thing in response.

I love her so much. She is so like me.

Happy poeming!

Megan