Posts Tagged With: poetry

The Blemish Removing Mirror

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Pieter Stok

“… and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

Most mirrors
are all too truthful
revealing every spot,
scar and blemish,
wrinkle and faded hope.

We squint,
cover our eyes
because the truth hurts –
aches our unworthiness.

Wincing, we turn away,
vowing inside
to run and hide
hoping that
the surrounding chaos
will hide us –
make us invisible
from the speculum’s
relentless
and enervating scrutiny.

But then …

“I am” came
and shattered
our refections
and replaced
our haunted image
with his own.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Faith, Poem, poetry, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Vulnerable

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Pieter Stok

They are open
and innocent,
eager to please,
the vulnerable.

They have no muscles
or wiles
to parry attacks,
the vulnerable.

They listen
and imbibe our words
ideas and values,
the vulnerable.

They mirror
our thoughts,
play act our actions,
the vulnerable.

They grow up
and shape, mould
and, too often, warp
the next generation of
the vulnerable.

Categories: Children, christian, Christianity, Faith, Family, Poem, poetry, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Adding to the Broken Bread

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Pieter Stok

There are times
when we think the
broken bread
and wine
are not enough.

In the body we
break each other
with words and venom,
attitudes and stares.

As if
the world,
its sin
and ours
does not inflict
enough pain
and mutilations.

The cross
was complete
perfect
and eternal.

So when we eat
and drink
the bread and wine
and remember the
body and blood
of Him
who died and rose

We can put aside
our desires
to add our punishment
and judgment.

It has all been completed

… for us too.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Poem, poetry | Tags: , , , , , | 3 Comments

Anchor Less Soul

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Footsteps idly wandering
in circles
is a soul
without an anchor.
Seeking not
or knowing not,
but meandering
all the same.

ashipBut even anchors
break loose
and fail to hold.
Some drag on ocean floors
or snag on unseen perils.

To what buoy or mooring
does your soul cling?
Where does your heart
find a home
with warmth,
memory and belonging?

Categories: christian, Christianity, Faith, Poem, poetry, Reflections, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Footsteps Past

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Pieter Stok

footstepsThe footsteps
of those who have
walked before
are often deep and weary.

These footprints,
impressed by
burdens and loads
are beyond
my ken.

My thankfulness
is not always
fulsome.
My remembrance
not always
aware.
In fact,
my steps
show
rushed
ingratitude;
Careless
stomping
over distant memories
and fragile treasures.

Past ghosts,
forgive
my
unthinking
selfishness
and careless disregard
of paths forged
that speed my journey.

Categories: Poem, poetry, Reflections, Uncategorized | Tags: , , | 2 Comments

No Man (or Woman) is an Island

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Pieter Stok

With apologies to John Donne

One plus one
Equals
Relationship.
One plus one plus one
Equals community.

Each sum
Requires the addition
Of our commitment,
Our time,
Our selves.

With subtraction
Comes pain
And loss.
Completeness disappears.
The sum
Doesn’t
Add up.

Categories: christian, Devotional, Poem, poetry, Reflections | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Sunday

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Pieter Stok

DSC_0298The sun rises
on Sunday
heralding
a new day
a new hope
and promises
of eternal life

Categories: Faith, Poem, poetry | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

Nervous Vows

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Pieter Stok

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.

ph9But 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.

Categories: Family, Poem, poetry, Reflections | Tags: , , , | 4 Comments

(Im)-Patience

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Patience

eludes my grasp.

Things never happen

quickly enough –

chartres

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.

Categories: Poem, poetry, Reflections | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Whose Words?

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Pieter Stok

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

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.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Poem | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments

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