Two Poems for Jane Teter – by Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril
May 04, 2017
A Bright Light Went Out Today
17 January, 2017
A Bright Light went out today.
Broken hearts litter the landscape.
Radiant she was, with the Shekinah
beaming off her cheeks, quietly
emanating God's peace.
A deeply holy woman
greatly loved and respected.
She had dignity.
She was Lady Jane.
Loving fellowship in ministry
with colleagues lay and ordained.
Witty. Zany. Fun-loving. Mischievous.
Wisdom cloaked in humor.
A great listener.
When she was with you, she always
seemed to be simultaneously conversing
with the heavenly realm. She was rooted
there. And here. She believed in miracles.
And was living one.
Her constancy, faithfulness, determination and
endurance spelled courage, writ large.
Loved family, dogs, and butter pecan ice cream.
Angels, and English Dominoes. Time at the cottage.
Still waters were the current that ran beneath Jane and the
well from which she drew strength. She and Wendell Berry knew
enough to go apart “into the place where the wild things are, and
to come into the presence of still water.”
On the road again. She traveled constantly.
To go wherever she was called was her adventure.
The breadth of the diocese her map.
And when she wasn't driving she was knitting.
How many scarves and hats and gloves for the seamen?
How many baby hats and blankets? How many knitters are there
now because of Jane? Grains of sand and stars in the sky.
And then there were the retreats. COM, Vestry, New rectors, Cursillo. Her skills as Facilitator are legion. Always patient, cheerful and adept at bringing realistic goals to the fore. Accomplishing the task.
Nurturing sister clergy at Kirby House, “our place”. Tomato soup and grilled cheese. High tea at four. Bunk beds and pillow fights. Songs in the night. Painting, movies and hot chocolate. Stories by candlelight. Eucharist. Healing. Taking turns rocking the babies under the Christmas tree.
Treasured friend, sister, colleague,
Thanks for the memories.
Bon Voyage!
Pray for us.
Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril
20 January, 2017
Wendell Berry, “Simple Grace
Jane
Woman of substance
I miss you!
Your smile, your laughter
riding on the air like
little monastery bells!
I miss watching you
unfold the Holy Mysteries
you lived with and the
other ones, the ones
you liked to read.
Always centered,
emanating peace and
tranquility, you blessed me.
I miss the long drives to
faraway quilting shops and
Friday lunches at the diner,
where mac and cheese
and the best stewed tomatoes
in the world gave us sustenance
for the long haul.
Your quiet deep caring was like
the shawl I wear, covering me
with sisterly love and affection.
The tears are mine.
I ponder God's plan for me,
still on journey.
Now you and Edgar
walk hand in hand
in Paradise, God's
plan for you complete.
Thanks be to God.
Goodbye my friend.
Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril
27 January 2017