We first wrote “twelve hours of daylight” in 2016 as part of an anthology (FEAST) of spoken word poems that are still unpublished. Like most of our work, we take our deep love of the scriptures and weave them together to speak to current realities. In this particular poem, there are a few references to cities, including Vancouver and Montreal, where we were living at the time of writing. For reference, these are the scriptures referenced (including this Sunday’s gospel passage):

• John 19:25–27 (Mary looking at her son on the cross)

• John 11:1–44 (Lazarus and Mary) 

• Luke 4:1–15 (Trials of Jesus) 

• Luke 15:11–32 (Prodigal Sons) 

• Genesis 7–9 (Flood Narrative)

• Matthew 20:15 (Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard)

• Mark 5:1–20/Luke 8:26–38 (Jesus heals the demon-possessed man) 

twelve hours of daylight
by scraps and wine

Reflection Questions:

1. We tend to like overlapping stories of scripture. What meaning arises for you as you consider this poem?

2. What do the different images evoke for you?

3. Are there particular voices within the poem that resonate with you?

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