Poem: "Credentials," Daniel Berrigan, S.J.

I would it were possible to state in so

few words my errand in the world: quite simply
forestalling all inquiry, the oak offers his leaves
large handedly. And in winter his integral magnificent order
decrees, says solemnly who he is
in the great thrusting limbs that are all finally
one: a return, a permanent river and sea.

So the rose is its own credential, a certain
unattainable effortless form: wearing its heart
visibly, it gives us heart too: bud, fullness and fall.