The Red of Love

Love—deep red love— came struggling throughthe pressure of the birth canaland landed safe in loving handsthat washed away the bloodand held him close.They did not know, not yet,that Love’s own bloodwould someday spurtfrom lashes to his back,from nails plunged straightthrough his own hands,and through his feet—blood of Life and supreme Lovethat would bring hope toContinue reading “The Red of Love”

His Joy is My Strength!

When my happiness fades away,disappointment moves in to stay.But his joy makes me strong!It lifts me like a song!It’s not laughter-dependent,doesn’t need a comic moment—not transient like a smilethat might last for a short milethen gradually melt down, maybe change into a frownat the pain and deep distressin my world’s sloppy mess.My Master’s joy isContinue reading “His Joy is My Strength!”

Blaze!

Across the bristling grasses and the breezy palm tree dance lies a long lagoon, all liquid, mirror for the sky’s expanse. Underneath a white-hot sun it becomes a brilliant blast and my eyelids squint to slivers letting just a glimmer past: just the essence of the power, just the outline of the heat, just impressionsContinue reading “Blaze!”

Truth Takes Courage

Truth takes courage when you Realize that speaking it will Undo the pretty picture you are Trying to paint of yourself, Hoping not to take the blame. Deception is a trap but seems Easier, the best way to Cover up that mistake that Everyone makes, of course. So Promise that it was not you ThatContinue reading “Truth Takes Courage”

Living Together with Christ

more and more at home he is entering with glad assurance no longer knocking and wondering if I will see him as interruption intrusion guest who puts me on my toes my best behavior politeness with an edge of tension whisking litter out of sight swabbing the sink shutting a bedroom door mess out ofContinue reading “Living Together with Christ”

On a Thread

It’s a quick walk on a fine thread, this gift of life, this privilege of breath and beating heart and strength to step ahead. So many disappear, flash out of sight, thread cut off before its final length unwinds. We shout “no!” and cry, and move along, subdued, with more awareness of the dangers, rightContinue reading “On a Thread”