Leaning across the chessboard
that even she can’t see
moving pieces shrouded
by the remnants of their
humanity
the board is in shadows
and the queen topples
in silence
i wonder who moves
the other side
Tag: poetry
Lute Song
A few random writings on this cold December night.
oh some days he wants to
dance
and others he simply desires
that others understand
that he cannot be the joy
today
only he wants maybe a hug
and to sit
and think
and write
and pray
can you feel the sparkles she asks
or is it only me
he smiles and replies
i can
but only when i look into
your eyes
a cup of tea and a big thick book!
give me an hour or two
and i shall be finished
oh no she says
i know better
you may very well be done
with this one
but then you’ll just
grab another
why do we think that fire is so miraculous
the way we stare entranced into
the dancing flames
is it that we both love and fear it
and that perhaps this feeling
echoes something deeper in us
than we now understand
Incarnation
the shadowed alley lies quiet and in wait
where the void sneers and chaos swirls all about
and darkness coats the face of the cobblestones
but then sounds a word spoken
and light paints new creation down crumbling path
upon which walk the feet of the promised one
peace and judgment held in both his outstretched hands
soon shall that day come I pray
when lion lies down with lamb
Dreams of Paris
Some unconnected stanzas – enjoy or not, it’s all the same to me. I enjoyed the process of letting my thoughts spill forth on this day bursting forth in all its glorious reality.
shivering she pulls the blanket close
and cries out for that second cup of tea
and i cross the room and turn on the kettle
soon my darling soon
she smiles and says with bleary eyes
just make sure to put in the lemon
and lots and lots of honey
Drops of twilight on the canvas
unsatisfied he sighs
i meant to paint the sunset
instead look
it’s just another dreary urban sky
i remark unfavourably upon these stanzas
grumbling as i usually do
but look she comments it’s ok really it is
at least some of them
have the slightest ring of truth
let’s read deep into the evening
as the soup bubbles upon the stove
and perhaps our thoughts will be sparked
by the black and white on the pages
or if not
at least we’re cozy here at home
i seek that far country that i’ve sought so many times before
and yes i’m reassured to know there is written above the doorframe
a name that i will one day call my own
but that is not the name i cry now
for this country is only treasured for the name of its king
and so I sing it in all my songs and all my poetry
and ask that no one look to me
for one day i’ll walk across the river and up to the doorway
and smile to know i’ve found that land for which my God’s destined me
once more let’s climb the tree of abstract philosophy
she whispers in my ear or let’s not
and instead open the book
and taste and see
i tried to climb the sunset
i tried to reach the second night
yet all my tears and all my fears rang louder
in the absence of your light
so what my heart grumbled
so what my soul bemoaned
so what
my eyes trembled
so what she says
come home my love
come home
she balances upon the curb and laughs to see me walk comfortably upon the sidewalk
come over here and join me
there’s enough room for two!
but only if you stand in front of me like this
nose to nose
just as you love to do
the green light flickers a bit ill at ease
and i smile as i pull my jacket closer
content to walk beneath the neon sky
for though the night is cold
and rain drips down my neck
metaphorical dreaming swirls inside my soul
for i know my home is nigh
Mornings I Look Up
the blank piece of paper calls out to be filled
and though the pen drops slowly from my hand
in trembling terror that it cannot be
good enough
it is ok
for look up to the one who is
who draws me ever more into
sweeter communion with himself
the God who knows my name
who in himself is sufficient
for all purposes my feeble mind can summon up
not to claim that i have any part in defining God
it would be with fear that i approach
and in reverent posture fall and kneel
for now at last my empty heart is filled
this morning i walk with God in prayer
moments counting
Many stanzas unrelated yet not perhaps entirely
We walk down those faded corridors
marked with water stains
and faded ink
and broken promises
hand in hand we go
with light steps
and broken hearts
the light shines down on your face
and your eyes tell the story
that your lips never would
as they move to count down
i raise a finger to shush
i already know the time
yet you move closer
She stands upon the doorstep
tilting her head curiously
and as i raise my hand
and start to pretend
i change my mind and say
let’s have a nice long talk
as we go for a walk alongside
the sea
hello my darling let’s not pay the toll today
for it’s been paid so many times before
surely it counts for something
the frequency of our visits
maybe a loyalty program of sorts
instead spread some jam and butter upon that scone
and i’ll pour you a cup of tea
and let’s open the book and dive deep into what we’ve read
and talk lit and art and most of all what it means
to be immersed in this systematic theology
Reading upon a sofa sprawled out all comfy in my way
and upon the table burns a candle marking the time since
and she walks in and stares at me and says
really have you moved at all?
and of course not i say although that’s not entirely true
for i may have gotten up to change the music once or twice
but in sentiment she understands and smiles and rolls her eyes
and leans over and pats my leg and tells me to relax
i wish i could fall into a book like that
how does theology affect our lives i wonder
and though some may say it really doesn’t
i would argue then what’s the point
for then your theology’s bereft
and all your thinking has no merit
true true they answer back and so why bother?
i turn to them and say consider this
if God’s real and true and all that?
and if furthermore he’s written to us of himself?
well i’d like to understand
at least in such feeble way as this mind dares to grasp
understanding they say is futile for how can what is finite
comprehend the infinite
it can’t
truly
for only when the infinite and finite has somehow married
can there be a listening to the radio that is now tuned
but how – there can be no such
and yes i also wondered until i considered that this question
has been answered
hence why i’m reading theology
and seeing the poetry of God
this strange, wonderful symmetry that is god made man
and sent down from eternity to walk this earth
and then die upon a tree
this sweetest simplest theology
of God who made a way to be known by feeble, finite, little ol me
she tenderly caresses the cover of the book before her
wondering if she dares to open the cover
will the writing match the gorgeousness of the artwork?
she hears a whisper
yes
taste and see
One more girl hangs out the 3rd floor window
and shouts down to me of what she’s found
what is that i say
cry louder!
and she says i won’t but i’ll do you one better
i’ll come down
the sunset ripples through the sky
and i breathe in deep the last remnants
and wait for my God to draw me nigh
Coffee Time
And my heart is full this evening as I sip my coffee and slowly prepare for another week to begin. Soon, soon – I must go off to bed and drift away on a tide of dreams so I am not too weary at work tomorrow, but for now…I just sit on my bed and ponder what blessings are mine…in abundance. And my heart longs to exult in words and song and sweet poetry what joy is mine, but alas, I’m not sure if my head is up to the task. Shall I write? Or shall I just rest this night, rejoicing in the purest wonder of knowing my Lord Jesus Christ?
At least, before I go…
For I am convinced that
neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other created thing,
will be able to separate us
from the love of God,
which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
Spoonful of sweetest coffee,
a pillow laced full of dreams,
liquid eyes gaze heavenward,
and song of love spirals up.
No more writing this night. Just thinking and praying. Peace, y’all.
Slow Love Slow
And it’s a gorgeous Saturday morning here in Aberdeen! The sun is burning bright, a chill is in the air, and while I’m a bit sleepy…I am at peace this morn. I must write quickly now(we’ll see how that goes!) because I’m waiting for my sandwich to arrive here at Books and Beans(and yes, I stood up Starbucks today. Horrors!). Had a delightful morning thus far, getting some errands done and then a bit of reading here as I enjoyed my raspberry mocha. Posted some pictures from my recent Nightwish adventure on facebook and now thought a bit of writing was called for!
It’s been a long week, and yea, exhausting as well. But still, my Father holds my hand. And He is with me. Always. And last night was a beautiful Friday night that was granted me! Heather let us home a bit early from work and so I arrived home by 5:20! John decided that it was a good plan to go to the chip shop and I agreed – so we went down and got some nice chips..came home and had them with his leftover chicken casserole. Absolutely perfect Friday night dinner. Following, we rolled off to the youth group social at the Bruce’s house in the country – bonfire time! As we pulled up, the fire was roaring in the middle of the lawn, stretching some fifteen feet into the sky.
And so a lovely evening of enjoying the fire, hot cocoa and good company. I couldn’t ask for anything more relaxing or perfect on a cold November evening. Beautiful.
And now my lunch has arrived! Before I dive in…a few last words…
Red and yellow and
swirling orange and
tongues of smoke.
Glowing embers and
burning driftwood and
singing flames.
Prayers rising and
eyes sparkling and
peace abounds.
Skyfall
So guess what came down out of the sky last night? Yep, snow came slowly twirling down yesterday and it was beautiful. While I couldn’t properly appreciate it while I was at work, as soon as I got home and then began making my way down the street to Ruth and Zara’s for dinner, I could just enjoy being in my winter coat and scarf and gloves once again as the snowflakes gently descended upon me…beautiful winter has arrived! And while I’m not a big fan of the short dark days of winter, the beauty of the snow dancing through the sky is something I can’t deny!
And now after a lovely morning, it is about time for my feet to wander outside of the warm and comfortable confines of Starbucks to the cold streets above. Have a lovely afternoon, my friends!!
A dance of wolves and a song of snow,
What calls the blue-jay, what says the crow?
Hush and listen! Heed now our cry!
Behold the witness of the sky.
A wreath of berries, a lance of light,
Who sings sweetly, who sings bright?
Turn and listen! Hear notes unseen!
Gaze soft upon this evergreen.
A trance of dusk and a song of love,
Who blushes to see stars laced above?
Come and listen! Sing lilting praise!
Rejoice ye heavens, rejoice ye earth!
Rejoice upon this uncommon birth!
Rejoice ye seas, rejoice ye sky!
Rejoice ye peoples far and nigh!
Jesus Christ,
Word of God
and God indeed!
For from Him are all things!
For through Him are all things!
For to Him are all things!
To Him be the glory forever!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Hallelujah and Amen!
A weeping heart, newborn eyes of love.
What says the sparrow? How sings the dove?
Bow and listen! Dance blissfully!
Jesus, my heart longs after Thee.
Hawkeyes
Currently in Starbucks, even though it’s a bit late in the afternoon. My feet are itching to leave and enjoy the sunlight!
But I did want to write a few words – you’re not complaining, right? I got a couple new CDs that I ordered today, listening to one of them now – such gorgeous and heart-enlivening music!! I’m so excited that I can’t help but share them with you. Once you see the track list, you’ll understand why I love them so. Listening right now to And Can it Be sung by thousands of voices…oh for that glorious day where we all shall sing together to our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever and ever and ever. And ever. Amazing love, how can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me????
1. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
2. Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him
3. A Debtor to Mercy Alone
4. Hallelujah, What a Saviour
5. Mercies Anew
6. Before the Throne of God Above
7. Come Thou Almighty King
8. Immortal, Invisible
9. Like a River Glorious
10. The Look
11. I will Glory in My Redeemer
12. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
And if that isn’t enough…the live album from Together for the Gospel 2008.
1. A Mighty Fortress is our God
2. It is Well with my Soul
3. How Firm a Foundation
4. Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
5. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
6. How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
7. How Sweet and Aweful is the Place
8. My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
9. I will Glory in my Redeemer
10. Arise, my soul, Arise
11. The Power of the Cross
12. My Song is Love Unknown
13. And Can It Be
14. There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
15. Before the Throne of God Above
16. In Christ Alone
So yeah. Couldn’t help but share.
And listening to these songs now, how my heart is encouraged and my soul is lifted up! I have had a long and weary week, full of trials. My heart has been burdened and my soul downcast. Yet now as I praise my God in song and thought…there is such a peace in my heart. A peace that surpasses all comprehension. Oh how blessed are we. I seriously am so overwhelmed by the goodness of my Lord in granting me such peace and encouragement this afternoon. If I could weep…
So last night as I came home from work tired and discouraged, I decided to go for a run in the crisp autumn air as the sun gloriously set. That was definitely much enjoyed! Afterwards had a sweet talk with Dad and then showered before my dinner of frozen pizza and spinach salad(ok, maybe not the most elaborate dinner, but it sure tasted good!!).
Now this morning was sadly filled up with being at work and trying to keep the reins steady on my wildly careening project. Thankfully was only there about four hours and now I’m here at Starbucks(could not give up my Saturday Starbucks!). Been here for a couple hours now and really should be leaving soon…but no, a few more words. These songs(now listening to Before the Throne of God Above) are seriously amazingly powerful. I’m…a bit emotional listening to them. Just finishing reading a letter from Mom, too – received very timely today! Oh what a joy to read the six pages from her. Oh joy, oh bliss. Love you, Mom!! 🙂
Now my peppermint mocha is a bit cold, so it must be about time to go. And my CD is on the last song(In Christ Alone). It must be a sign.
Farewell, all. Grace and love and peace. Hope in the Lord. Sing and dance and wonder at what amazing love we are blessed with so. Peace.
A cloud floats free from filmy sea to frozen sky,
Rainbow croons of crimson peace and truest glory,
An apple tree blossoms white in silent beauty,
And upon the land a song of love is lifted.
Blood so perfect, blood so true,
How oh how could Christ love us so?
Story written, love anew –
Glories and wonders and beauty!
Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords
King Almighty and He Who Will Reign Forever,
Song of my heart and Poem of my soul,
Jesus my God.
Something Weird 