Nervous vows,
promises to love,
all those years ago
mumbled in the bluestone church
grew
rapidly . . . and sporadically,
fluently . . . and uneasily,
depending
on the season or mood,
circumstance or storm.
But since time has wandered
its unfathomable path,
the ties are strong,
the love stronger
and the understanding
solid – most times.
The children
came
and then went
on their own time bound journey.
But we,
we are still here,
warm in our history
of gathered affection.
Patience
eludes my grasp.
Things never happen
quickly enough –
The Maze In Chartres Cathedral
in a timely fashion!
Irritation
creeps and worms
through the sinews
which tense
and twist.
But there are some things
for which I am not impatient:
bills,
certain visits
and death.
Whose words?
challenge the heart
and rattle the mind?
What thoughts
course through our minds?
We crave to have our ears tickled
Keldby Church, Denmark
And hearts caressed.
We long for pleasant words
to justify ourselves.
God’s word
like a two edged sword
cuts deep and leaves
no thought, action or value
untouched,
unearthed
unseen.
Ocean Grove Primary School circa 1957
Some minds twitch with eager attention –
ready to absorb, engage and respond.
Others meander between sleep and apathy.
A few sparkle with their own thoughts and musings –
but not with my instructions.
The sound of a football or distant song, piques their interest,
however the poem or play, theme or plot hardly registers.
How to excite the neurons,
that is the question.
To electrify ideas, thought and wonder
beyond the mundane and internet fed drivel,
is the challenge …
as the wandering mind sits behind the desk,
waiting for recess.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matt 10:30
You know my name,
my atoms and cells.
You created them.
You know the hairs on my head:
The number,
the colour.
My eyes,
My wrinkles
and every quirk,
You know.
You know my very DNA,
my core.
You know my movements
and thoughts,
my rebellion and
obedience.
But more than that,
You know my heart,
no matter what I hide.
My lies, my truth.
You know me
and you still love me!
In the beginning …
God spoke
into being
Ex nihilo
from nothing.
God’s breath
brought forth
the stars
the atoms
me.
The covenant
Word swept
through creation
and rebellion
empires
and kings.
His Word
sure and firm
whispers and roars
through time
and place
over sea and continent.
The Word
walked among us
and will come again
to reveal
a recreated kingdom
a world reborn
by the
Word.
A reflection on Psalm 91
Sagrada Familia
I have …
… a God who covers his children
like a mother hen,
and whose feathers
become a fortress that is
a refuge from danger,
evil
and all that destroys.
… a God who lifts me up
beyond the harm
and hatred swirling ’round me.
… a God who gathers me
in his arms
and gives me
more,
far more,
than I deserve.
… a God
whose son is,
right now,
busy making a home for me,
forever.
The palace:
the backyard of
a small town inn.
The throne:
a manger
The courtly attendants:
Shepherds.
The king is born!
Long live the King!
David’s throne
has reached its destiny.
In infant frailty,
the power of God.
Last Year’s Poems
Surrounded by brokenness,
holy perfection.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
The door of the law,
is solid, large,
immovable and closed.
We lie lifeless
Last Year’s Poems
Holy, immovable,
divine expectations
bar entry
into God’s perfect presence.
Then,
in Bethlehem
a Key was born:
the door opener –
the barrier destroyer.
The manger child
came
to throw open wide
and prepare entry
for his adopted
brothers and sisters.
And the father
will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.
Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7: 13 & 14
To be slow to believe
and hard to hear
is not a new thing.
Human hearts
are not soft to
God’s miracles
and promises.
In turmoil
God pointed to hope
a King
defeater of enemies.
When all is dark
and the gloom descends
remember
a child was born,
promises fulfilled,
a King delivered.
Travels from Ur 