Being Dominican
About Angela Coleman: I was born in Taihape where Dad was farming (not actually in town). We moved to Whanganui in 1971 when I was 5; and I left for Palmerston North to attend Massey University in 1985. So I lived in Whanganui to go to school. After finishing a BA (Social Sciences) in History, I got into community and adult education. I am currently an unemployed adult literacy tutor and community worker. In the Cathedral parish I am on both the liturgy and social justice committees and involved in the music ministry. I have written poetry since I was a teenager, often finding it the easiest way to express ideas I am thinking of; and to respond to the world we live in.
Being Dominican to be is about tying all the parts of me together – prayer, education, justice, liturgy, community, creativity, music…-in the company and companionship of others.
We asked Angela if she would share a poem or two. She shared two short poems written (initially in the dark at church – not a recommended way to write) on Holy Thursday. We hope you enjoy:
Holy Thursday 1
Christ
Abandoned
Betrayed
Broken
To bring healing
To all who are
Broken
Betrayed
Abandoned
Holy Thursday 2
Sometimes prayer is
To simply sit
In silence
With our God
Our God who knows
The broken hearts
The broken people
The broken nations
The broken spirits
Our God who knows
Our dreams
Our fears
Our joys
Our sorrows
And to simply be with God
____________
Angela Coleman
2 April 2015
