In the Shadowlands

In the Shadowlands

In the waiting womb of nativity

In the dewy grayness before dawn

In the curve of the tunnel which hints of an exit.

In the in between time.

In between despair and hope shared

but not yet fulfilled.

In between fear and courage spreading its wings

but not yet taking flight.

In between sadness and joy bubbling from the depths

but not yet overflowing.

In between suffering and justice opening its hands

but not yet embracing.

In between hate and the seed of love sown

but not yet sprouting.

As shadows point a path to the sun

so faith guides us on the journey.

Shadows incubate the babe to be born.

Shadows solemnly announce the new day.

Shadows excitedly foretell the open air.

Shadows draw us irresistibly towards the light.

Peace is cast in the shadowlands.

By Elena Huegel

October 3, 2001, Revised Sept. 16, 2005