When Bookshelves Look Like Hope [4/17/23] Someday we'll have a library - Y'all and me, and maybe her. We'll blend up our tastes and wonder, And spread them over shelves together; Browse each other's treasured things, But only with permission. We'll need room to store The loads of books we love. The...

Youth Pastors 4/16/23 I cared for you, perhaps parasocially; Saw you as doors to reach a holier place. I longed for your approval as I sought God's love and grace, Danced to the tunes you played on our puppet strings, All flash, charisma and lights, and the drum in my heartbeat. Who anointed your a...

Kindred Spirits 4/15/23 We were just children, Sunburn on our shoulders, Seeking connection With someone our age. Two hearts on fire In a hotbed of zealots, Debating books and music After a sudden embrace. Oh, we were children, Thought we were so grown-up; Heads frothing with thinking Denied and di...

A Rabbit Quest (haiku)
4/14/23

Catastrophe's rise
Pushes brave seekers forth
To a green new home.

Blessings for Armor 4/14/23 I would cast you a blessing, young knight, But I do not know what shape it should wear. Where do you find your truest light? When will truth and hope draw near? You once procured an anchor to hold me fast in stormy seas. May your own craft never founder, as you're sailin...

Son of Gondor [4/13/23 A strong man, a fierce man, a man brave and true Came riding to the council at the last homely house. Light of his father's eyes, trusted by brother too, On the wings of a dream with a horn to rouse A waiting army. Still, fear for homeland nibbled him like a mouse, And he cam...

"Small Lights Still Shine Brightly" [4/11/23] Sometimes I am so small, And the dark around so deep. I hear nothing when I call, It feels as if God is asleep. But still I hold a candle, And can touch a friend or two, And if the next step's what I can handle I can step closer to you. When I...

"Particular Theodicy" [4/10/23] Any conscience I have Is none of the making Of some vindictive monster, Brooding on forever's edge. You are not the child in Omelas, And if you were The vessel of wrath to obtain some greater good, I would not walk away, But seek such a lance As could unhor...

[Needs title] [4/09/23] Can you have "holy envy" for what you've lost? Even under shadows, the sun still sang. There was a thrill when we knew the notes the church bells rang. If you have found your safety, at what cost? I know There will still be living flowers, Wherever I go. Lush garden...

A Harrowing Hymn [4/08/23] "You are there," they said as horror, That there is no escaping wrath. "You are there" they said, a fetter Shackling young feet to the path. They promised there is always fear; In the fire, my judge is near. What if it was not threat, but promise? Into...