MERTON’S HERMITAGE
TRAPPIST, KENTUCKY

A Bench of Dreams sits on Merton’s porch
below a sign that declares “Shalom.”
A simple home built of concrete blocks
now a shrine to the man and his words.

His presence felt on this holy ground
even as we sit and gaze awhile.
No words on our lips but heartsprung thoughts
form in our mind as we breath his air.

Walking sticks hang on old rusted nails
ready to take us to his heaven
To greet our God, whom he aptly named,
“Mercy, within mercy, within mercy.”