“I Can Wait”

Margaret Halaska was a Franciscan nun and poet known for her spiritually reflective and insightful poetry. Her writing often merges simplicity with deep theological themes, emphasizing humility, trust, and openness in spiritual life. One of her most famous poems is Covenant, which offers a profound metaphor for the relationship between God and an individual. I will let the poem speak to your heart directly without offering any interpretation.

Covenant

The Father
knocks at my door 
seeking a home for his son.

Rent is cheap, I say.

I don’t want to rent. I want to buy, says God.

I’m not sure I want to sell, 
but you might come in and look around.

I think I will, says God.

I might let you have a room or two.

I like it, says God. I’ll take the two. You might decide to give me more some day. 
I can wait, says God.

I’d like to give you more, 
but it’s a bit difficult. I need some space for me.

I know, says God, but I’ll wait. I like what I see.

Hm, maybe I can let you have another room. 
I really don’t need that much.

Thanks, says God, I’ll take it. I like what I see.

I’d like to give you the whole house 
but I’m not sure …

Think on it, says God. I wouldn’t put you out. 
Your house would be mine and my son would live in it. 
You’d have more space than you’d ever had before.

I don’t understand at all.

I know, says God, but I can’t tell you about that. 
You’ll have to discover it for yourself. 
That can only happen if you let me have the whole house.

A bit risky, I say.

Yes, says God, but try me.

I’m not sure – 
I’ll let you know.

I can wait, says God, I like what I see.

 

Notes

Halaska, M. in Rolheiser, R. (2014). Sacred fire: A vision for a deeper human and Christian maturity. Image, p. 142.