Category Archives: Poetry

Micah Micah 5:2-5 The prophet Micah foretells the fallof the corrupt and faithless elite of Jerusalem;the fall and revival of the Kingdom of Judah;the Messiah’s birth in the town of Bethlehem. Because of Bethlehem, we honor Micah.We are mindful that … Continue reading →

[tanka] brainstormingin the corner officeon the fifth floor…the high seriousnessof fall colors

The White Christ Red-bearded, blood-soaked Thor faced offagainst the white Christat the end of the first millennium. Icelanders had to choose.For the pagans, white stood for cowardice,but the heavy hand of King Olaf forced a deal the pagan holdoutscould not … Continue reading →

Love is a Twofer Love is a twofer.When you say you are in loveor you assert the aphorism, God is love,you infer duality. God is the subjectand [something] is the object.The something is the worldand all its inhabitants. There is … Continue reading →

I have been writing new music for our St. John’s choir. The Yoke Matthew 11:28-30 The yoke you wear is the load you bear.Who will make the yoke you wear?The yoke you wear is yours alone.Will you build a yoke … Continue reading →

Agency What does it mean to be the salt of the earth?Salt is a preservative.It is used for seasoning and with healing.Salt is a helping agent. What does it mean to be the leaven?Leaven makes the bread rise.It softens the … Continue reading →

Holy Communion The dove spreads wings of the present and past.Warm thermals lift these wings of time.One wing is us in this sacred place.The other bears souls of every age. Our world was once a lightless void.From that the Lord … Continue reading →

Blessings Blessed are those who hunger for justice.Blessings to the powerlessand their allies driven to cure injustice. Blessings also to those who refuseto hate their abusers.This is the hardest task of all. Never forget—each person’s face,even that of your adversary,bears … Continue reading →

Mass In Times of a Pandemic Psalm 100 Kyrie eleison Have mercy upon the people of faith, O Lord,who put their trust in you, as an enemy, unseenand silent, steals across our land and the worldabroad to tap on shoulders—as … Continue reading →

Wars in My Lifetime Judges 4:1-7 World War II a boy-soldier lieswith his faceon the continent of Europeand his feetin the Atlantic Korea when we died,they said casualties were low;they gave us medalsand thanked usfor our service Vietnam I am … Continue reading →

Entering Adulthood Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 The nights were deathly quiet. We never sawthe underclass at dark. Invisible deeds,professionally drawn by cordial men, keptour slumber safe, our world a safe cocoon.Depression-haunted parents pampered usinto the sixties. The gaunt face of povertythat … Continue reading →

The Big Nothing Joshua 3:7-17 What happens to the indigenous peoplesliving in someone else’s promised land?We never know because they are slaughtered or erased forever as a culture.Nothing to see here—their story is a big nothing. Historians connect the dots … Continue reading →

Pilgrim Matthew 22:34-46 Come home, come home to the simple life:Love God with all your heart,with all your soul and with all your strength.This is the first and greatest rule. Come home, come home to the holy life:Love your neighbor … Continue reading →