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The Pitman

Your pike pounds the mountain’s sidesending a flash of white sparks intothe coal dusted roots of your red beardstill wet with sweat like the morning tide.Through deafened ears, you hear onlymurmurs from your daughters as they tracethe deep rooted coal veins of blackenedwrinkles in your withered face. Now, but a mirage of who you usedContinue reading “The Pitman”

The Exemplar of Good

Too much, too much,Of a sunny stroke,It’s too long,And such.The lines of yellow smoke,Were once young,Prettily different.Had not been sung. Now bedraggled with rain and soot,The lines are too long,Leave the good,Just good.Too late, too late,The brightness of light,Buried ‘neath its own weight,Is gone. Too hot, too hot,Vacant sand lots,Screens planted in shapes,With squares ofContinue reading “The Exemplar of Good”

Pride With Limits

What are you most proud of in your life? I can think of something, but it soon becomes a like playing whack-a-mole. When I think of an answer, something else raises its hand, and says, “no, me me.” I could say the same thing about things I am least proud of but where is theContinue reading “Pride With Limits”

Skin

Forget that he’s black,With views you cannot see,His world painted by others,Telling stories that cannot be. Forget that she’s brown,That she arrived a different route,She seeks the same as you,Love and safety in pursuit. Forget that he’s white,The world dancing to his tune,Life leaning to his favor,Steeped in privilege, you assume. We need a changeContinue reading “Skin”

Unity

Rivers flow between us,Rapid waters here to cross,“My meadow seems the greener,Join me here lest you be lost.” After prayer, upon reflection,We come to realize,Higher callings that unite us,Find accord in Jesus Christ. United by our identity,A triplicity of faith,As children of the same God,Eternal souls his love creates. Our purpose like our destiny,Undeniably theContinue reading “Unity”

Victorian Deceit in London 1891

Fog hangs thick over the riverThames. I strike the uneven cobblestoneswith my silver cane and wipe the mist from my faceas I hum Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 2”to the count of the tower’s three gongs. I peek at a cracked, discarded mirrorto trace my scar and finger-combmy thick, coal-black hair. Nerves, my nerves! I jumpat theContinue reading “Victorian Deceit in London 1891”

Stewardship – More Than Money

Focus: Isiah 45:1-7 Psalm 96:1-9;19-13 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22 “Father, God, thank you for being here as we worship you and your son Jesus Christ. May we learn how better to follow your teachings in the words spoken and heard here today. Amen” Good morning. I am here today because I volunteered to preachContinue reading “Stewardship – More Than Money”

Water Walk

A glassy water tabletop,A mirror of birds and trees,Hanging like veins in marble,Dangling fresh, colorful flowers. A plethora of graceful choices,Bringing simplicity, clarity,Into a culture of conflict,Where confrontation reigns. A patient rest at this calming pool,Reveals her reticent beauty,Willing to show herself to those,Who stop to look, to understand her. Sip her artistic relief fromContinue reading “Water Walk”

Think Like a Child

I think I might just try that,Yes – I think I might just try that,Swings and merry-go-rounds are fun, you know,So, I think I might just try that. One must step out of the box,Be fearless and step out of the box,Maybe even think like a child,Once in a while, think like a child. HummContinue reading “Think Like a Child”

The End to Come

I am well aware of my mortality,Well aware,Aware that each touch of your hand,May be the last I feel. One day the sun in my eyes,Will go down for the last time,The brightness of tomorrow’s child,Will not shine on my face. The words I write must bare my soul,They could be the last,The next pageContinue reading “The End to Come”