First Prize in Oprize for Poetry Contest

Oprize for Poetry Contest is open to everyone in the Dominican Family.  In previous years, the winners have been Dominican volunteers, friars, cooperator brothers, student brothers, sisters, nuns, laity, and Dominican associates.  This year's Gold Medal was won by Fr. Gerard Lessard, O.P.

Hours


Your Hour, Lord, had come
To sanctify the hours of our day.
Indeed they now can be
Until the dead entombed no longer lay,
'Til ever passing time
Has ever passed unto eternity.

Before the dawn fires light,
To You the embers of my soul spark prayer.
Bright guides along Your Way
In voiceless books teach doctrine, oh, so rare.
Then, in community,
The Liturgy of Hours well we say.

The dissipating mist
Of mysteries Your words revealed unfold.
You graciously inspire
The presentation, new and yet of old,
That's sharp enough to run
Through sullen shaded hearts with loving fire.

An hour in the box,
With sinners left and right confessing shame,
Your punishment they fear,
But we are here for mercy, not for blame;
True sorrow, felt and willed,
Expressed through me to You Who always hear.

The Sacrifice begins
With steeple bells that ring and souls that sing.
Fine fabrics, marble, gold,
With holy gestures, rites befit the King.
As Lamb He gives Himself,
To gather stray sheep to a single fold.

To frail old friendless folks
In standard institutions, visits lift,
For hours slowly tick,
Awaiting hungry for the hallowed Gift.
Though legs and eyes subside,
Anointing brows and palms upholds the sick.

An hour for the flesh,
That needs nutrition, rest and so much more,
Lest vital signs rise high.
Due exercise is not a grueling chore.
Cam'raderie with friends
Rejuvenates until we say good-bye.

Your Hour, Lord, had come
To sanctify the hours of our day.
In fact, they now have been.
Our thanks dispatched up through the sun's last ray.
With You we watch an hour,
While silent stillness saturates the din.