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Rules for Writing Better Poetry

Few would argue that Neil Young’s hit ballad, “Heart of Gold” contains lyrical gold. I can hear the melody and his signature voice sing these verses: Keep me searching, for a heart of gold,You keep me searching and I’m growing old,Keep me searching for a heart of gold,I’ve been a miner for a heart ofContinue reading “Rules for Writing Better Poetry”

Consequences

Based on Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; First Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26 Last week, the message from Father Samuel was about a call from God, the calls of the prophet Isaiah, of St. Paul, and of the Apostle Simon Peter. All three ofthem were unqualified but willing. My takeaway can be summed up in anContinue reading “Consequences”

Your Favorite Pet

I sit on my perch and look all around,Bright colored feathers cling to me bound,Together in red, yellow, green and blue,A little macaw parrot who depends on you. I don’t eat much and make no mess,I cannot fly far and sleep even less,While ship’s decks are fine with mattee’s ahoy,My hope is to give youContinue reading “Your Favorite Pet”

Worm

He wiggles and waggles across the walk,Above him hears the walker’s talk,Seeking the cool of the grass so green,Reflecting the morning’s moisture sheen. Watching around for the shadow shade,A diving bird on his daily raid,A meal to make of this earthy worm,He creeps and crawls in a slow, slow squirm, A walker’s shoe is almostContinue reading “Worm”

Long Ago Memories

Driveway gravel crumbles under the tires,We arrive after dark and tap on a window,As the train whistle and click clack of tracksBeckon me to my Oklahoma home. Each of the family in the prime of life,I feel my mother’s hands touch my face,I see my parents smile with thanksgivingAs they gaze at the blessings beforeContinue reading “Long Ago Memories”

Father

The man ineffable in a boy’s life,My father was no different,My love for him from birth was born,My memory of him omniscient. The example he was, little he knew,Was who I wanted to be,The teacher he was, as he moved about,Like a gentle wave of the sea. He taught me how to work and pray,AndContinue reading “Father”

Colors

Morning greets me in a pallet of green,Rain setting gently on leaves that gleam,Accents of yellow, grey and brown,Blending as one in a natural gown. The shrubs, the grass, the leaves of trees,Wave in the breeze to pleasure me,Why these are green, I now confess,To not know why nor can I guess. The sky reservedContinue reading “Colors”

What Brings You Joy?

The sound of children, a call from a friend,Snow on mountains or winter nearing end,River flowing gently, trout staring out,Warm breeze blowing the butterflies about? Ocean waves splashing on white sandy shores,Bright sun setting on a porch with no doors,July fourth fireworks against starry skies,Making song together, Mom’s apple pie? Love of a woman, theContinue reading “What Brings You Joy?”

The Quiet of My Room

Join me in the light of the moon,Join me in the quiet of my room,Your forgiving spirit to stay the night,‘til morning comes to bring the light. You’re ever near, I don’t have to searchFor your glow beyond the doors of church,If I listen close as I begin to pray,I find you’re here both nightContinue reading “The Quiet of My Room”

Safe

Eyes open, flying; I float through the dark,Greeted by cool air and fragrant breezes,Gently tumbling through space that surrounds me. I see my hands and two blue shoes,Shiny red ribbon, lacing the shoes of a clown.How odd these blue shoes in the starry blackness. I stretch and I strain to lift my leg,To bring theContinue reading “Safe”