Religious

Baptism

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened. Luke 3:21 For thirty years and nine months heaven’s Son-silent corridors, its echoing rooms with their litter of creation and Word-clutter have been my constant reminder of His absence. Though always vigilant I have restrained myself… Continue reading Baptism

light

Mrs. Beasley Packed Her Purse

Mrs. Beasley packed her purse fearing things would just get worse: gloves and flippers, skates and socks lotion for the chicken pox rain umbrella, steaks and fries drops and goggles for her eyes cell phone, blanket, tire jack a map so she could make it back pound of breath mints, whistle, mace sun-screen to protect… Continue reading Mrs. Beasley Packed Her Purse

nature

April Show

Though the afternoon’s snow-cold breaths and gray vapors threaten to lower the curtain flowers keep bursting on stage. Magnolia’s tight rose buds fan out to pink confections Forsythia leaps graceful arcs of yellow Pieris dangles blushing clusters like exotic fruit. From shy mauve Lungwort uncoiling under somber juniper to Rhododendrons - fuchsia, orange and red… Continue reading April Show

Personal

Everlasting Umbilical Cord

3:00 a.m. – instantly awake. Sliver of welcome-home light still shines under my door a silent revelation: he is not yet home. All sleep securely bound and trussed by the everlasting umbilical cord, I go downstairs with my sedatives – pillow, journal, pen – assume my post on the couch and wait. Every cell tingles… Continue reading Everlasting Umbilical Cord

Personal

Earthquake in the Sky

Black shark glides through blue heavens. Torpedo in the sky pierces. The tower explodes billows of orange. Four deadly missiles launched that clear Tuesday morning in September. Four generous and trusting planes, pregnant with fire-eager fuel. Four passenger lists – mostly ordinary people and 18 ruthless, cold fanatics. Four hits: 8:48 - World Trade Center,… Continue reading Earthquake in the Sky

Form poems, Religious, Sonnet

Career Move

Crowds come, he speaks, we cast out spirits, heal. As a career move I could have done worse. Mobility is upward here, I feel for I'm the one he chose to keep the purse. But he attracts the common, sick and poor, his teachings contradict, they don't make sense: First shall be last? Great riches… Continue reading Career Move

light

Welcome

Welcome to the Country Airport, also called the Loveless Hotel Would you care for something to drink? Ultramarine or Blue for their colors passing through us? Fire aged by Rosicrucian in the basement? Perhaps a light hors d’oeuvres on the funny side, or otherwise something more substantial – unholy sonnets or serious concerns? Our specials… Continue reading Welcome

Personal, Religious

I Don’t Want to Pray

"I don't want to pray," slap words sting from my four-year-old daughter. How have I millstoned God to her so she won't bring her earaches to Him? I remember "Are you saved?" evangelistic, zealous aunt cornered me, seven. Next time she visited, I hid. Jesus is different His words a compelling beckon lure-and-bait questions irresistible… Continue reading I Don’t Want to Pray

Form poems, light, Rondeau

Berry Season

In Krause's fields the berries lie 'neath Fraser Valley's June-blue sky. They fantasize a fate of fame on platter for M'sieur, Madame: "Discriminating -- come and buy! "Or if you ring us round, a pie with glistening glaze to glorify we're fine with that, or set in flan," from Krause's fields. July sun swelters... "Hear… Continue reading Berry Season

light

Dehydrated

Their luscious flesh is over-rated Dripping juices leave you sated But an hour -- then stale-dated Past the prime is garbage fated. Though my plumpness has caved in My form encased in wrinkled skin Still, concentrated flesh can win At sweetness over tree-branch kin. Young sisters ripen in the sun Flaunt roundness but to me… Continue reading Dehydrated