Cantus firmus
A melody that is firm and clear
Aug 12, 2008
by Martin E. Marty
To Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Executed by the Nazis in April 1945
Your faith I find impossible to emulate
In the true God whose eye
Is on the sparrow, and also me, but
Perhaps I may be permitted
To learn something of your very human grace,
Your fortitude (unfashionable word),
And live faithfully, ceasing to whine about
Every dirty toss and deal of the cards,
But move along a cantus firmus of my own and
Embrace the rich “polyphony of life.”
Mark Perlberg, The Burning Field
Executed by the Nazis in April 1945
Your faith I find impossible to emulate
In the true God whose eye
Is on the sparrow, and also me, but
Perhaps I may be permitted
To learn something of your very human grace,
Your fortitude (unfashionable word),
And live faithfully, ceasing to whine about
Every dirty toss and deal of the cards,
But move along a cantus firmus of my own and
Embrace the rich “polyphony of life.”
Mark Perlberg, The Burning Field
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