Category Archives: Poetry

A Psalm for 2012

Posted on January 2, 2012 by

When Gwen and I spent a couple of days on Kent Island in December, I imagined what it must have been like to be the first English settlers there. Even now it is something of a “nowhere.” When we crossed … Continue reading →

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Memorial to Brendan

Posted on May 30, 2011 by

St. Brendan made a big impression on me from afar. When I visited Ireland on pilgrimage, I was impressed in person. We made many what-we-considered-brilliant navigation decisions to find his final resting place at Clonfert Cathedral. While it hadn’t been torn … Continue reading →

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A Psalm — for Courage

Posted on May 8, 2011 by

I wrote a small psalm to share with the main mother in my life and she thought I should share it with you. I have been admiring the film-makers who are the prophets of the unbelieving world, these days. They are … Continue reading →

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Kristen and the Sword of Wendell Berry

Posted on April 25, 2011 by

I have been meaning to tell this little story about Kristen for a few weeks. The Monday after resurrection Sunday seems like a good time to tell it. Our good feeling of new life is going to meet up with … Continue reading →

Posted in 3 The Mission, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Real St. Valentine

Posted on February 14, 2011 by

This poem reflects the theme of our benefit last Friday night that promised to uncover the “real” St. Valentine. I’m not sure the event did that, and I am not sure this poem does much better, since it references later exaggerations as … Continue reading →

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Poetry in the Face of Power

Posted on November 1, 2010 by

Several people asked me for a reprint of the poem I quoted last night, so I thought I’d offer it to everyone. Creating is a sure way to reveal the creator; the creator reveals himself in our creativity. By re-imagining … Continue reading →

Posted in 3 The Mission, Poetry, Theological Help | Tagged , | 3 Comments

The Common Loneliness — Francis Day 2010

Posted on October 4, 2010 by

On Francis of Assisi Day, 2010 It could have been that Francis Crawled out into the bushes of La Verna to die Like an old alley cat – Scrawny from fasting And disappointed that his dream turned so human. Or … Continue reading →

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A Psalm for Memorial Day

Posted on May 31, 2010 by

A simple psalm to spur some thoughts of love on the day we mourn for all the people who have died from the lack of it.  Even in the room with the wedding there were conflicts worthy of a Memorial Day. … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Spiritual Discipline, Poetry | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The P for Pentecost

Posted on May 24, 2010 by

In the acrostic of the year the “P” for Pentecost is mainly for patience, or persevering in the practice of being “empty, open, choiceless as a beach waiting for a gift from the sea.” The waves beat, “Patience…patience.” But I … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Spiritual Discipline, Poetry | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Prayer for Recognition

Posted on March 22, 2010 by

The atmosphere pulses with your glory. We praise you for the moments, The moments we awake and breathe in newness. The whole world feels spring rushing up. We praise you for the daffodils, The flowers that bloom with snowless joy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | 3 Comments