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Category Archives: poetry
Transfiguration
Once upon a mountaintop I saw, and having seen could not unsee, forget the white light of a soft robe rendered diamond sharp; its bright folds scratched my eyes. For an instant only, looking up, I saw his face, caught … Continue reading
Seasonal affair
The seagulls are returning from wherever it is that seagulls go when the lake, luminous lover, has frozen them out, but they seem chastened; they sound subdued, touch her gingerly, testing the waters.
Crib Goch, and other melodramatic metaphors
On a knife edge, the threat of falling shrouded in a misty pall, each step a battle of will over fear. Others stride across a broad thoroughfare; I snarl at their sunny backs; gravity has grappled me to the rock.
It’s still cold
Water pipes slamming, cranking out icy fury: I know how they feel.
the light of the world
When you hide your face, the sky falls. Stars burn cold; the sun slumps, refusing to rise to the occasion; the moon gapes like a dumb rock. When you look away, ashen shadows coat everything with their fingerless touch. Turn … Continue reading
Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, sermon preparation
Tagged light, Matthew 5:13-20
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Seasonal
Dislocated daydreams: salt spray from a city street; unkept promises.
Failing Grace
The dark wood, its grain barely illuminated by the stained-glass shafts, invites introspection, the fear of failing, flailing: “Wait! I am not ready,” but it consumed me anyway, half-baked.
Posted in poetry
Tagged failure, grace, Holy Spirit, ordination anniversary, pews, stained glass
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A Gethsemane prayer
For once, just for once you tried to lay your burdens, those acquired from crowds and children, a collection of tax collectors, sinners and scribes along the way – for once, just for once you tried to lay them on … Continue reading
Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry
Tagged garden, gethsemane, Jesus, prayer, sons of thunder
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In the bleak midwinter
I would like, if it will, for time to freeze, stand still so that breath becomes redundant, superfluous steam in the empty air. The beauty of the snow falls on a bleak, not a meek heart, burning with cold fire … Continue reading
Posted in poetry
Tagged cold, cold snap, polar vortex, seasonal affective disorder, winter
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Reflection for the turn of the year
I told you, didn’t I? I told you that the walls were cracked and warped, crumbling and full of rising damp and dry rot, unfit for habitation. But you went right ahead and moved in anyway. First, you knocked though … Continue reading
over the water 