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# Rising
- URL: https://dianaludwick.com/rising/
- Published: 2026-02-22T21:01:47.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:11:29.000Z
- Description: “Rising,” a homage to the volunteerism that builds community and faith, written February 22, poem 053 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. Photo: Cranberry Orange Muffins Up Close, by Diana Ludwick (c) 2026.
- Author: Diana Ludwick
- Tags: 2026 Poetry Challenge, Poems, Baking, Brunch, Church, Community, Congregation, Faith, February, Rising, Stewardship, Volunteering, #Migrated-1792872215677, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-24 20:03

Amidst the winter rain and sleet  
we’re tracking down recipes  
pre-heating our ovens  
clattering bowls to the counter  
game-planning pan sizes  
blending up flours  
whipping air into eggs  
melting butter or oils  
folding in berries and nuts.  
  
Now into the hearths  
our baked goods go  
rising until golden  
full of promise and care.  
  
Meanwhile across town  
in the communal kitchen  
a bevy of actions as chefs twirl   
and swirl around one another:  
  
Washing, chopping, stirring  
cracking eggs in basins  
browning sausage  
on the industrial range  
crafting vegan casseroles  
at the counter;  
  
Assembling massive fruit salads   
and green leaf lettuce mixes  
and emulsifying vinaigrette  
and cleaning flatware.  
  
You see, this Sunday we’re   
*Rising to this Moment*  
we’re gathering souls,   
celebrating community  
motivating generosity,   
*Making room for joy.*  
  
We each pitch in, in kind  
and in cash, summoning  
investments in our faith  
through volunteerism  
donations and care.  
  
In the name of stewardship  
we’re rolling up sleeves  
and opening hearts  
to make a better tomorrow.  
  
A kinder future  
for this place for our children  
for our pets for our neighbors   
for those we will never encounter  
for ourselves for our elders.  
  
In times of darkness and disruption  
who are we to sit idle?   
finding the energy for empathy  
kindles hope and commitment   
to never give up, to keep on working  
towards the world we all deserve:  
a planet full of purpose and wellbeing.