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Category Archives: poetry
The penultimate last word
“It is finished.” Hurry, Jesus. Hurry to the appointment you have made to duel death. Hasten the darkening sky, that a false dawn may break early; that you may fell the great destroyer. The soldiers come with mallets and spear, we hear … Continue reading
Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer
Tagged crucifixion, Good Friday, Holy Week, It is finished, Jesus, Seven Last Words
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The fifth last word
As the frog seeks its spawning ground, I yearn for the waters of new life. As the child wails for its mother’s breast, I crave your loving tenderness. As the hunger striker is starved of a reprieve, I cry out … Continue reading
The fourth last word
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Life shines in the dark lens of your countenance. When you hide your face, all die, and return to the earth. Was it dust or grief, guilt or love that made … Continue reading
Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer
Tagged Jesus, Psalm 104:29, Psalm 22:1, Psalm 90:4, Seven Last Words
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The third last word
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciples, “Here is your mother.” There is no changing one body … Continue reading
Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer
Tagged bereavement, grief, Holy Week, Jesus, John 19:26-27, Luke 3:8, Seven Last Words
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The first last word
Father, forgive them – not yet, Jesus. Give us time. We are in no hurry for new life. Give … Continue reading
Posted in meditation, poetry, prayer
Tagged father forgive them, forgiveness, Seven Last Words
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In memoriam
From the edge of the cliff we see no horizon. Earth, air, water merge, solid state dissolves, breath condenses, dessicates; we lick salt out of the sky. I drive him to the airport. Lumbering hulls filled with gear and stuff; … Continue reading
Posted in image, poetry
Tagged bereavement, family, grief, long-distance relationship
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Earth, oil, ashes, and a pound of precious nard
I have anointed people for death, and I think Mary was right to get in early, because when I return, a few days later, or a week, I do not come bearing precious nard. Continue reading
Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, prayer, sermon preparation
Tagged anointing, clergy, funerals, Holy Week, John 12:1-8, Mary of Bethany, Palm Sunday, Year C Lent 5
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Running away
A ghost is following me … Continue reading
Jesus, Mary, and Judas
Poor, jealous Judas, love-lorn puppy, eyes stinging from the stench and from the memory: “See how he loved him!” they said when Jesus wept, and now this woman spilling fragrant death all over. Her sister rattles the plates on purpose. Mary, rapt … Continue reading
over the water 