Anointed

Tonight we anoint you one last time.

The oil fills the room with fragrance

of hope, of promise, of remembrance

because in your baptism you are claimed

as Christ's own and tonight we reclaim

that you are his lamb, a sheep of the flock.

Family gathers around to hear the words,

say the prayers, smell the promise.

To know again we all rest in your hands

in life and in death we are yours.

It just takes us time to let go with our hearts.

To know this promise more truly,

more deeply in our own souls.

To be claimed by you and rest in the sweetness

of the promises made because sometimes

we have experienced broken promises

so it is hard to trust.  Yet we gather round

the bed deciding to have the faith.

To commit another soul to your care.

As the scent carries on the air

reminding us of new life.