REMEMBRANCE
I cannot weep enough for Him –
The wounded Son of Man –
I cannot say enough to thank –
But I’ll do all I can.
The summit of devoted life –
A bold humility –
To serve our neighbor as the Lord
Has loved us – perfectly.
I thank Thee for this state of Light –
This site of reverence –
This space where Evil does not dare
To steal inheritance.
The more we bless – the more He gives –
His goodness multiplies –
Replenishing our emptiness
With awe that amplifies.
(10 December 2009, Provo, Utah)
Monday, December 14, 2009
IMITATIO
IMITATIO (Dickinson J130/Fr122)
These are the dusks when Deer come down –
The garden roses done –
Because November hides repast
Remarkable as none.
The leaves are dun – the branches fawn –
The vegetation brown –
But widowed creatures find a feast –
Like Ruth – while gleaning ground.
(6 December 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
These are the dusks when Deer come down –
The garden roses done –
Because November hides repast
Remarkable as none.
The leaves are dun – the branches fawn –
The vegetation brown –
But widowed creatures find a feast –
Like Ruth – while gleaning ground.
(6 December 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
RECONCILIATION
RECONCILIATION
What is the gap between His will and mine?
Where do I need to improve?
When I am lacking, excessive, unkind
How do I make mountains move?
How do I pacify tempests that brood?
How can I do what He did?
How do I counter temptation with truth?
How can I raise up the dead?
Can I be meek like a lamb being shorn?
Can I give sight to the blind?
Can I be pure like a child newly born?
How can I be more refined?
(14 December 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
What is the gap between His will and mine?
Where do I need to improve?
When I am lacking, excessive, unkind
How do I make mountains move?
How do I pacify tempests that brood?
How can I do what He did?
How do I counter temptation with truth?
How can I raise up the dead?
Can I be meek like a lamb being shorn?
Can I give sight to the blind?
Can I be pure like a child newly born?
How can I be more refined?
(14 December 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Friday, December 11, 2009
PSÁLLŌ (Luke 24:39)
Play me like an instrument –
A harp of many strings –
The scars are tied to ligaments
That stretched for men and kings.
Pluck me like a psaltery
For music’s still small song –
The wounds are knotted into notes
Transposing good from wrong.
Touch me like a sounding board –
A lyrical re-frame –
The marks were carved by implements
As symbols for My Name.
Strum me like a sympathy –
Behold my hands and feet –
Empirical as empathy –
Handle me, and see.
(6 December 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
A harp of many strings –
The scars are tied to ligaments
That stretched for men and kings.
Pluck me like a psaltery
For music’s still small song –
The wounds are knotted into notes
Transposing good from wrong.
Touch me like a sounding board –
A lyrical re-frame –
The marks were carved by implements
As symbols for My Name.
Strum me like a sympathy –
Behold my hands and feet –
Empirical as empathy –
Handle me, and see.
(6 December 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
STUFFINS (or STUFF-CAKES)
STUFFINS (or STUFF-CAKES)
A recipe is poetry –
A new song for the mouth –
You follow the ingredients
But leaving some things out
And adding in whatever goods
You have around the house –
Like substituting olive oil
For butter from a cow –
The sugar becomes poultry spice –
Use corn meal for the flour –
With onions, raisins, celery –
And bake them half an hour
In little paper muffin cups –
A serving for each guest –
Instead of stuffing for the bird
Polenta in a nest!
(26 November 2009, Payson, Utah)
A recipe is poetry –
A new song for the mouth –
You follow the ingredients
But leaving some things out
And adding in whatever goods
You have around the house –
Like substituting olive oil
For butter from a cow –
The sugar becomes poultry spice –
Use corn meal for the flour –
With onions, raisins, celery –
And bake them half an hour
In little paper muffin cups –
A serving for each guest –
Instead of stuffing for the bird
Polenta in a nest!
(26 November 2009, Payson, Utah)
EMILY
As if she carries a secret –
Deciphering a rune –
As if to speak were a riddle
Enveloped in a tune –
As if she treasures enigma –
Discovering its clue –
As if to write were a puzzle
Responding to a cue.
(10 December 2009, Thursday)
Deciphering a rune –
As if to speak were a riddle
Enveloped in a tune –
As if she treasures enigma –
Discovering its clue –
As if to write were a puzzle
Responding to a cue.
(10 December 2009, Thursday)
CUSTODIAN (Mosiah 5:11)
Skin cells – sin scales – falling dust –
Tissues – textiles – turn to rust –
Trying to remove the spot –
Only His pure love can blot.
May His clean atoning blood
Bear His name like oxygen
To each atom of my soul –
Breath of new life – spirit whole.
(26 November 2009)
Tissues – textiles – turn to rust –
Trying to remove the spot –
Only His pure love can blot.
May His clean atoning blood
Bear His name like oxygen
To each atom of my soul –
Breath of new life – spirit whole.
(26 November 2009)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
CONVICTION
CONVICTION (For Dr. Spangler)
My light will not go out –
My song will not be still –
My soul will not be compromised –
Not mine – be done Thy will.
A poem came in my dream –
A book of luminance –
The title was an epithet –
The author was a Prince.
My weakness is a gift –
My struggle is a veil –
We are protected by our faults
From unforeseen travail.
(18 November 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
My light will not go out –
My song will not be still –
My soul will not be compromised –
Not mine – be done Thy will.
A poem came in my dream –
A book of luminance –
The title was an epithet –
The author was a Prince.
My weakness is a gift –
My struggle is a veil –
We are protected by our faults
From unforeseen travail.
(18 November 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
ADVANCED COMPOSITION
ADVANCED COMPOSITION
Writing is a warm-up stretch –
It activates the mind
For any other exercise
To which we are inclined.
Would’st Thou I share these rhymings
Or hide them in a bin?
“Cease to do ill – learn to do well –
To do naught is to sin.”
(22 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
Writing is a warm-up stretch –
It activates the mind
For any other exercise
To which we are inclined.
Would’st Thou I share these rhymings
Or hide them in a bin?
“Cease to do ill – learn to do well –
To do naught is to sin.”
(22 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
LEGEND
LEGEND
Did Jesu really play the harp
With intricate finesse
In strains that had the pow’r to heal –
The gentleness to bless?
Did Jesu really pluck the lyre
With thundering command –
With music as Salvation’s strings –
With lightning in His hand?
Did Jesu really make sweet noise
Upon a psaltery?
With infinitely mellow voice
Did Jesu sing for me?
(31 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
Did Jesu really play the harp
With intricate finesse
In strains that had the pow’r to heal –
The gentleness to bless?
Did Jesu really pluck the lyre
With thundering command –
With music as Salvation’s strings –
With lightning in His hand?
Did Jesu really make sweet noise
Upon a psaltery?
With infinitely mellow voice
Did Jesu sing for me?
(31 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
FITTEST
FITTEST
If evolution were all true
No child would be aborted –
The next mutation might be best –
Selection would be thwarted!
If global warming came from man
We would not have a planet –
The carbon footprints would ignite –
The Arctic would be granite!
(3 November 2009, Provo, Utah)
If evolution were all true
No child would be aborted –
The next mutation might be best –
Selection would be thwarted!
If global warming came from man
We would not have a planet –
The carbon footprints would ignite –
The Arctic would be granite!
(3 November 2009, Provo, Utah)
MAKING
MAKING (Genesis 2-3; Mosiah 7:27)
He made us in the image of
A Mother-Father pair –
Then condescended to become
Similitude of heir.
Created us to be like Him
And came to be like us –
Thus comprehending all our needs
Is simultaneous.
(7 November 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
He made us in the image of
A Mother-Father pair –
Then condescended to become
Similitude of heir.
Created us to be like Him
And came to be like us –
Thus comprehending all our needs
Is simultaneous.
(7 November 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
ACELDAMA
ACELDAMA
Why he buckled, none can tell.
He loved the Master just as well
As any other financier –
Bestowed a kiss beside His ear.
He held position, kept the purse.
He had the power to disperse.
Why bite the heel of Him who gave?
Why sell one’s soul when He could save?
The tree was waiting for his weight –
The silver scattered at the gate.
What tragedy of impotence
From travesty of Recompense.
(25 November 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Why he buckled, none can tell.
He loved the Master just as well
As any other financier –
Bestowed a kiss beside His ear.
He held position, kept the purse.
He had the power to disperse.
Why bite the heel of Him who gave?
Why sell one’s soul when He could save?
The tree was waiting for his weight –
The silver scattered at the gate.
What tragedy of impotence
From travesty of Recompense.
(25 November 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
UNDER THE WEATHER
UNDER THE WEATHER
The litany of loveliness
Is chilling in the air –
I like to think that deer and quail
Are teaching me their prayer.
The temperature descending with
A debutanting frost
Is napping on the front yard sod –
Rudbeckia is lost.
The liturgy of loneliness
Will shed its chilly edge –
The birds will congregate as guests –
My balcony as hedge.
The back yard bush is full of birds
Recusing from repast –
But when they sense I’ve disappeared
They dare the meal I cast.
(7 November 2009, Pleasant Grove)
The litany of loveliness
Is chilling in the air –
I like to think that deer and quail
Are teaching me their prayer.
The temperature descending with
A debutanting frost
Is napping on the front yard sod –
Rudbeckia is lost.
The liturgy of loneliness
Will shed its chilly edge –
The birds will congregate as guests –
My balcony as hedge.
The back yard bush is full of birds
Recusing from repast –
But when they sense I’ve disappeared
They dare the meal I cast.
(7 November 2009, Pleasant Grove)
Monday, November 9, 2009
SEVENTH DAY
SEVENTH DAY
Each Sunday is Millennium –
The Holiest of Days –
We wake to meet the risen Son –
We run to sing His praise –
We rest from ordinary toil –
We worship with His saints –
We fill the hours with selfless deeds
That evil never taints –
He binds the Serpent with a word –
We breathe the Garden breeze –
We walk with Him until the dusk
Returns us to our knees.
(8 November 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Each Sunday is Millennium –
The Holiest of Days –
We wake to meet the risen Son –
We run to sing His praise –
We rest from ordinary toil –
We worship with His saints –
We fill the hours with selfless deeds
That evil never taints –
He binds the Serpent with a word –
We breathe the Garden breeze –
We walk with Him until the dusk
Returns us to our knees.
(8 November 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
THE GAP
THE GAP (to Hugh and you)
The jealousy of Sadducees –
The scorn of Pharisees –
Betrayal by Perdition’s kiss –
The rage of enemies –
Rejection was apostasy –
The Crucifixion’s crime –
Despising the Anointed One
Poured shadow throughout time.
Disdaining of the Holy House –
The piercing of His hands
Was Excommunication’s doom
Extending through all lands.
Meridian of Majesty –
Though brief – was infinite –
A dispensation of the Fall
And Restoration’s net.
(7 October 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
The jealousy of Sadducees –
The scorn of Pharisees –
Betrayal by Perdition’s kiss –
The rage of enemies –
Rejection was apostasy –
The Crucifixion’s crime –
Despising the Anointed One
Poured shadow throughout time.
Disdaining of the Holy House –
The piercing of His hands
Was Excommunication’s doom
Extending through all lands.
Meridian of Majesty –
Though brief – was infinite –
A dispensation of the Fall
And Restoration’s net.
(7 October 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
CANDELABRA
CANDELABRA
The body is a holy house –
A tabernacle home –
A template for epiphany –
An altar for shalom.
The body is a tree of life –
An edifice with roots –
A vineyard of apocalypse –
A shiloh of first fruits.
(28 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
The body is a holy house –
A tabernacle home –
A template for epiphany –
An altar for shalom.
The body is a tree of life –
An edifice with roots –
A vineyard of apocalypse –
A shiloh of first fruits.
(28 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
Friday, October 23, 2009
PRAYER
PRAYER
What is real? Breath – Speech – Feast –
What is true? We – Them – You –
What is right? Love – Life – Light – Delight –
What is pure? Clean – Clear – Sure.
Reality is now –
And Verity to know –
And Righteousness is choosing well –
And Purity is snow.
(23 October 2009, BYU Fieldhouse, Provo, Utah)
What is real? Breath – Speech – Feast –
What is true? We – Them – You –
What is right? Love – Life – Light – Delight –
What is pure? Clean – Clear – Sure.
Reality is now –
And Verity to know –
And Righteousness is choosing well –
And Purity is snow.
(23 October 2009, BYU Fieldhouse, Provo, Utah)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
BAPTISM
BAPTISM
I lead you down – I lift you up –
I sanctify the fragile cup –
I cleanse you from the stench of sin –
I bring you out – I take you in.
The waters are mortality –
The baptist has authority –
The garb of white, Creation’s hope –
Refining fire, the Holy Ghost.
Descent is death – Ascent is life –
Consent is breath – Assent is light –
My hands are placed upon your head –
Then drink the Water – eat the Bread.
(21 October 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
I lead you down – I lift you up –
I sanctify the fragile cup –
I cleanse you from the stench of sin –
I bring you out – I take you in.
The waters are mortality –
The baptist has authority –
The garb of white, Creation’s hope –
Refining fire, the Holy Ghost.
Descent is death – Ascent is life –
Consent is breath – Assent is light –
My hands are placed upon your head –
Then drink the Water – eat the Bread.
(21 October 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
DEVOTIO MODERNA
DEVOTIO MODERNA
What motivates the gulls to fly?
The food, the view, the air?
Or do they hasten south to flee
The winter’s atmosphere?
What motivates a soul to pray?
The words, the peace, the fear?
Or are we heading home to meet
The Master’s tender care?
(21 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
What motivates the gulls to fly?
The food, the view, the air?
Or do they hasten south to flee
The winter’s atmosphere?
What motivates a soul to pray?
The words, the peace, the fear?
Or are we heading home to meet
The Master’s tender care?
(21 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
SAFE
SAFE
His every cell was torqued with pain
As He partook the cup –
His back already torn to shreds
As He was lifted up.
His agony was so complete
It left no hurt unturned –
His empathy was infinite –
He perfectly discerned
The anguish of humanity –
Inequity’s deceit –
The widow and the fatherless
Redeemed by His “defeat.”
(11 October 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
His every cell was torqued with pain
As He partook the cup –
His back already torn to shreds
As He was lifted up.
His agony was so complete
It left no hurt unturned –
His empathy was infinite –
He perfectly discerned
The anguish of humanity –
Inequity’s deceit –
The widow and the fatherless
Redeemed by His “defeat.”
(11 October 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
WINDESHEIM
WINDESHEIM (to Nephi and Jacob)
The Church is the body of Christ –
The body of Christ, the Temple –
The Temple, then, is His true church:
Similitude, His example.
The Spirit is the breath of Life –
The breath of Life, inspiration –
Inspiration, exaltation:
The angels’ communication.
The Covenant, a law of Love –
The law of Love is charity –
Charity is the covenant:
Firmness of mind – Heart’s purity.
The Grace that saves is what He did –
What we do, reciprocation –
Reciprocation is real Grace –
Gratitude is revelation.
(7 October 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
The Church is the body of Christ –
The body of Christ, the Temple –
The Temple, then, is His true church:
Similitude, His example.
The Spirit is the breath of Life –
The breath of Life, inspiration –
Inspiration, exaltation:
The angels’ communication.
The Covenant, a law of Love –
The law of Love is charity –
Charity is the covenant:
Firmness of mind – Heart’s purity.
The Grace that saves is what He did –
What we do, reciprocation –
Reciprocation is real Grace –
Gratitude is revelation.
(7 October 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
IN SECRET
IN SECRET (Matthew 6:6; Alma 33:7)
How merciful (when we approach
In confidential prayer)
Our Father is – He blesses us
In Providential care.
When we are in the wilderness,
He turns our enemies.
In field, or house, or secret hour,
He hears our earnest pleas.
He raises up a healing type,
That we may live and see
(If we but cast our eyes in faith)
An everlasting Tree.
The springs of perfect love He grants
Will make our burdens light.
All this is ours if we will kneel
Before the Source of Life.
(20 October 2009, Tuesday, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
How merciful (when we approach
In confidential prayer)
Our Father is – He blesses us
In Providential care.
When we are in the wilderness,
He turns our enemies.
In field, or house, or secret hour,
He hears our earnest pleas.
He raises up a healing type,
That we may live and see
(If we but cast our eyes in faith)
An everlasting Tree.
The springs of perfect love He grants
Will make our burdens light.
All this is ours if we will kneel
Before the Source of Life.
(20 October 2009, Tuesday, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
KIN DAY
KIN DAY (Doctrine & Covenants 59)
The Sabbath is a family time –
The Jubilee of days –
When Labor rests in Liberty –
When Prayer pours out in Praise –
When Gratitude says, “This is good” –
Unspotted from the world –
When Righteousness brings broken hearts –
Contrite before the Lord –
When cheerful souls confess His hand –
Delighting in glad things:
Obedience – the Sacrament –
Thanksgiving – Offerings.
Each Sunday is millennial –
A consecrated place –
A Temple for His countenance –
A longing for His face.
(18 October 2009, Sunday, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
The Sabbath is a family time –
The Jubilee of days –
When Labor rests in Liberty –
When Prayer pours out in Praise –
When Gratitude says, “This is good” –
Unspotted from the world –
When Righteousness brings broken hearts –
Contrite before the Lord –
When cheerful souls confess His hand –
Delighting in glad things:
Obedience – the Sacrament –
Thanksgiving – Offerings.
Each Sunday is millennial –
A consecrated place –
A Temple for His countenance –
A longing for His face.
(18 October 2009, Sunday, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Monday, October 5, 2009
YOM KIPPUR (for Margaret Barker)
YOM KIPPUR (for Margaret Barker)
If Son of God can live as Man,
Then men can be like God!
The High Priest enters Holiness
With Sanctity bestowed.
More real than Life art Thou, my Lord –
More fine than Art, or Gold –
More true than any other Word
Or any story told.
(9 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
If Son of God can live as Man,
Then men can be like God!
The High Priest enters Holiness
With Sanctity bestowed.
More real than Life art Thou, my Lord –
More fine than Art, or Gold –
More true than any other Word
Or any story told.
(9 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
VERSE VOICE
They wait for me, these words gallant –
They poise in shadowed wings –
Intent upon the Prompter’s cue
When, like a dawn, they spring
Upon the stage of cognizance
With lines they know by heart –
With me as audience of awe
Recording drama’s art.
If language is the priest of truth
And poetry the seer –
Expression is the opera
That draws the curtain clear.
(9 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
They poise in shadowed wings –
Intent upon the Prompter’s cue
When, like a dawn, they spring
Upon the stage of cognizance
With lines they know by heart –
With me as audience of awe
Recording drama’s art.
If language is the priest of truth
And poetry the seer –
Expression is the opera
That draws the curtain clear.
(9 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
REFLECTIONS
To sing the joy of words –
The power of the pause –
The ecstasy of making sense –
The hour of record.
To sound the love of phrase –
The sentence built of orbs –
The merging phonemes binding lines –
The order of the verbs.
To say the praise of Him
Who said, “Let there be sky” –
Who gave the breath of light to earth –
Antithesis of die.
(10 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
The power of the pause –
The ecstasy of making sense –
The hour of record.
To sound the love of phrase –
The sentence built of orbs –
The merging phonemes binding lines –
The order of the verbs.
To say the praise of Him
Who said, “Let there be sky” –
Who gave the breath of light to earth –
Antithesis of die.
(10 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
OPE-TIDE
Could that ever happen to me?
Perhaps it’s not my turn –
So maybe patience is my vow –
My troth, obscurity.
Dear Heavenly Father, is this
My quest? To wait for promises?
Or will I cross the threshold step
Thoughts healed, fears quelled, as his?
Yes, maidenly daughter, the time
Will come when covenants replace
The longings of a learning heart –
You’ll enter sacred space.
(11 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
Perhaps it’s not my turn –
So maybe patience is my vow –
My troth, obscurity.
Dear Heavenly Father, is this
My quest? To wait for promises?
Or will I cross the threshold step
Thoughts healed, fears quelled, as his?
Yes, maidenly daughter, the time
Will come when covenants replace
The longings of a learning heart –
You’ll enter sacred space.
(11 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
BASE CAMP
My pilgrimage is here at home –
Awaiting wand’ring stars –
Their journey is adventure’s path –
And gratitude is ours
For such a clear September day –
For mountain’s endless quest –
For summits that can summon us
To seek our very best.
(12 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Awaiting wand’ring stars –
Their journey is adventure’s path –
And gratitude is ours
For such a clear September day –
For mountain’s endless quest –
For summits that can summon us
To seek our very best.
(12 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
MERE MORTAL
There’s so much more we could have been –
So many bands to break –
So many opportunities
To give instead of take –
There’s so much more we could have done
If we had not been blind –
So many lives we could have touched –
Such chances to be kind –
We could have done a thousand acts
Of quiet courtesy –
We could have blessed a thousand lives
With healing surety –
We could have rescued flocks of lambs –
We could have fed the poor –
We could have built up Paradise –
We could have done much more.
(12 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
So many bands to break –
So many opportunities
To give instead of take –
There’s so much more we could have done
If we had not been blind –
So many lives we could have touched –
Such chances to be kind –
We could have done a thousand acts
Of quiet courtesy –
We could have blessed a thousand lives
With healing surety –
We could have rescued flocks of lambs –
We could have fed the poor –
We could have built up Paradise –
We could have done much more.
(12 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
RUBIES
At least the path to bliss is clear –
For Virtue is the guide –
She calls us to awake and rise
To meet the morning tide.
Her distaff is a rod of words
That beckon through the mist
Of darknesses that dampen sight –
She sees, prevails, persists
In leading to the Blessing tree –
Creation’s residence –
In feeding us the fruit of Truth –
Salvation’s evidence.
Presents us to the Holy Ghost
As worthy to partake
Of ever-loving righteousness
For lasting kindness’ sake.
(26 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
For Virtue is the guide –
She calls us to awake and rise
To meet the morning tide.
Her distaff is a rod of words
That beckon through the mist
Of darknesses that dampen sight –
She sees, prevails, persists
In leading to the Blessing tree –
Creation’s residence –
In feeding us the fruit of Truth –
Salvation’s evidence.
Presents us to the Holy Ghost
As worthy to partake
Of ever-loving righteousness
For lasting kindness’ sake.
(26 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
LAST DAY FOR LEAVES
It’s not some’s verbal cup of tea –
Transparency seems bland –
But phosphorescent maple slopes
Steep autumn from one’s hand.
The drive around the loop was late –
The dusk was hovering –
But fall’s florescent foliage
Evaded covering.
(28 September 2009, Sundance Canyon, Utah)
Transparency seems bland –
But phosphorescent maple slopes
Steep autumn from one’s hand.
The drive around the loop was late –
The dusk was hovering –
But fall’s florescent foliage
Evaded covering.
(28 September 2009, Sundance Canyon, Utah)
AGES
Old deaths are dogging life –
But life is dodging death –
Old hates are haunting love –
But love is heeding breath –
Old fears are foiling hope –
But hope is facing fear –
Old woes are wounding joy –
But joy is waiting here.
(29 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
But life is dodging death –
Old hates are haunting love –
But love is heeding breath –
Old fears are foiling hope –
But hope is facing fear –
Old woes are wounding joy –
But joy is waiting here.
(29 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
O, THE WISDOM (for Jacob, 2 Nephi 9)
He suffered all for every one –
Each woman, man, and child –
He succored us – the Perfect Son –
That we be reconciled.
He gathers us into the fold –
Each nation, kindred, tongue –
He scatters death with Light foretold –
He raises old and young.
(30 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
Each woman, man, and child –
He succored us – the Perfect Son –
That we be reconciled.
He gathers us into the fold –
Each nation, kindred, tongue –
He scatters death with Light foretold –
He raises old and young.
(30 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
TABERNACLE (to Coach Mendenhall)
Abiding is a residence
Residing works by faith
Confiding is a providence
Providing answers fate.
Deciding is a precedence
Presiding offers sight
Dividing is the evidence
Persistence will indict.
(1 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
Residing works by faith
Confiding is a providence
Providing answers fate.
Deciding is a precedence
Presiding offers sight
Dividing is the evidence
Persistence will indict.
(1 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
COGNITION
The tension of Extremity
Prompts Prosecution’s blame
In sentence accusational –
But once we know its name
We counter with Exactitude –
Then weakness is a veil –
Protecting from Endangerment
With strength that cannot fail.
(5 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
Prompts Prosecution’s blame
In sentence accusational –
But once we know its name
We counter with Exactitude –
Then weakness is a veil –
Protecting from Endangerment
With strength that cannot fail.
(5 October 2009, Provo, Utah)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
CRESTED BEAUTY
CRESTED BEAUTY
The moon I saw in Galilee
Looms over Utah Lake –
Tonight it hallows Crested Butte
While no one is awake
Except for those who range for food
In nocturne’s privacy –
The creatures seeking amnesty
In lunar secrecy.
(7 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
The moon I saw in Galilee
Looms over Utah Lake –
Tonight it hallows Crested Butte
While no one is awake
Except for those who range for food
In nocturne’s privacy –
The creatures seeking amnesty
In lunar secrecy.
(7 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
LABOR
LABOR
He offered everything he had
For utmost benefit –
Secured our welfare from His loss
For feast propitiate.
The distance from God’s present home
He surveyed from the Stake –
He sacrificed the perfect life
That no one else could take.
(7 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
He offered everything he had
For utmost benefit –
Secured our welfare from His loss
For feast propitiate.
The distance from God’s present home
He surveyed from the Stake –
He sacrificed the perfect life
That no one else could take.
(7 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
THE LAST BREEZE (for Ulla-Britt)
THE LAST BREEZE (for Ulla-Britt)
Along the Kattegat she walks –
Yearning for Selånger –
The valley of her father’s home –
Shadows growing longer.
Necessity is residence –
But time is memory –
The pilgrim sun brings northern light
To Ängelholm’s south sea.
(7 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Along the Kattegat she walks –
Yearning for Selånger –
The valley of her father’s home –
Shadows growing longer.
Necessity is residence –
But time is memory –
The pilgrim sun brings northern light
To Ängelholm’s south sea.
(7 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
THE GLASS IMAGERIE
THE GLASS IMAGERIE
The verses ring like crystal –
A delicate appeal –
Collection of inventions –
Reflections that reveal
Imagination’s insight –
Perception’s beveled edge –
A prism of coherence –
Cohesion like a bridge
From word to aspiration –
From dream to shadow play –
From shadow play to essence –
From essence to display.
(6 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
The verses ring like crystal –
A delicate appeal –
Collection of inventions –
Reflections that reveal
Imagination’s insight –
Perception’s beveled edge –
A prism of coherence –
Cohesion like a bridge
From word to aspiration –
From dream to shadow play –
From shadow play to essence –
From essence to display.
(6 September 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
TIMP HIKER
TIMP HIKER
He was not tall – he was not short –
He was not plain or fair –
But he was conscious of my “lamb”
In that thin atmosphere.
Young Geoffrey, sick with altitude,
Responded to his care –
The benefactor comforted
With unobtrusive flair.
(29 August 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
He was not tall – he was not short –
He was not plain or fair –
But he was conscious of my “lamb”
In that thin atmosphere.
Young Geoffrey, sick with altitude,
Responded to his care –
The benefactor comforted
With unobtrusive flair.
(29 August 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
MERCURY
MERCURY
You do not know how pure you are –
Appealing innocense
Betrays the graven mask you wield –
Displays intelligence
Much wiser than the cleverness
Of Ambiguity –
Much brighter than the platform of
Sustain-ability.
(27 August 2009, Provo, Utah)
You do not know how pure you are –
Appealing innocense
Betrays the graven mask you wield –
Displays intelligence
Much wiser than the cleverness
Of Ambiguity –
Much brighter than the platform of
Sustain-ability.
(27 August 2009, Provo, Utah)
REASSURANCE
REASSURANCE
Does the Father really see me?
Does He watch me with His eye?
Do the Angels write my story
In Scriptoriums on high?
Does the Savior truly know me?
Does He understand my heart?
Do the Prophets have a message
That can help me sing my part?
Does the Holy Spirit hear me?
Does He guide the words I say?
Do my ancestors draw near me
From the bright place where they stay?
Yes, the Father really sees you –
And the Savior understands,
And the Holy Spirit leads you –
And Their Servants are your friends.
(8 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
Does the Father really see me?
Does He watch me with His eye?
Do the Angels write my story
In Scriptoriums on high?
Does the Savior truly know me?
Does He understand my heart?
Do the Prophets have a message
That can help me sing my part?
Does the Holy Spirit hear me?
Does He guide the words I say?
Do my ancestors draw near me
From the bright place where they stay?
Yes, the Father really sees you –
And the Savior understands,
And the Holy Spirit leads you –
And Their Servants are your friends.
(8 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
CROWN
CROWN
The Sacrament – most sacred hour –
Remembrance of His love –
His sacrifice – His holy deeds –
His work below – above.
For laurel He was given thorn –
For throne, a brutal tree –
For champion’s march, a cruel parade –
For fame, indignity.
Yet He gave us the oil of joy
For mortal misery –
A garment of unblemished praise
For grief’s soliloquy.
His agony Gethsemanied –
His anguish Calvaried –
His victory, the Garden Tomb –
His triumph, pris’ners freed.
(16 August 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
The Sacrament – most sacred hour –
Remembrance of His love –
His sacrifice – His holy deeds –
His work below – above.
For laurel He was given thorn –
For throne, a brutal tree –
For champion’s march, a cruel parade –
For fame, indignity.
Yet He gave us the oil of joy
For mortal misery –
A garment of unblemished praise
For grief’s soliloquy.
His agony Gethsemanied –
His anguish Calvaried –
His victory, the Garden Tomb –
His triumph, pris’ners freed.
(16 August 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
YOM KIPPUR
YOM KIPPUR (for Margaret Barker)
If Son of God can live as Man,
Then men can be like God!
The High Priest enters Holiness
With Sanctity bestowed.
More real than Life art Thou, my Lord –
More fine than Art, or Gold –
More true than any other Word
Or any story told.
(9 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
If Son of God can live as Man,
Then men can be like God!
The High Priest enters Holiness
With Sanctity bestowed.
More real than Life art Thou, my Lord –
More fine than Art, or Gold –
More true than any other Word
Or any story told.
(9 September 2009, Provo, Utah)
DESOLATE
DESOLATE
A Tree of Death unspeakable
Beguiles a Single Maid
In spite of Garden’s Tree of Light
Or Tree of Good and Sad.
Depression was the Serpent’s noose –
Entwining jug’lar vein –
Suspension hangs a Lone Recluse
Upon a rope of pain.
(25 July 2009, Provo, Utah)
A Tree of Death unspeakable
Beguiles a Single Maid
In spite of Garden’s Tree of Light
Or Tree of Good and Sad.
Depression was the Serpent’s noose –
Entwining jug’lar vein –
Suspension hangs a Lone Recluse
Upon a rope of pain.
(25 July 2009, Provo, Utah)
ORDEAL
ORDEAL
“An ancient form of trial to determine guilt or innocence, practiced by the rude nations of Europe, and still practiced in the East Indies. In England, the ordeal was of two sorts, fire-ordeal and water-ordeal; the former being confined to persons of higher rank, the latter to the common people.” (Webster 1844 American Dictionary.)
How did martyrs win their fame?
Trial by water – trial by flame –
Faithful to the only Name –
Bearing persecution’s blame –
Wearing torture’s lonely shame –
Praising God their only aim –
Counting curse or blessing same –
Testifying that Christ came.
(25 July 2009, Provo, Utah)
“An ancient form of trial to determine guilt or innocence, practiced by the rude nations of Europe, and still practiced in the East Indies. In England, the ordeal was of two sorts, fire-ordeal and water-ordeal; the former being confined to persons of higher rank, the latter to the common people.” (Webster 1844 American Dictionary.)
How did martyrs win their fame?
Trial by water – trial by flame –
Faithful to the only Name –
Bearing persecution’s blame –
Wearing torture’s lonely shame –
Praising God their only aim –
Counting curse or blessing same –
Testifying that Christ came.
(25 July 2009, Provo, Utah)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
SNORE STORY
SNORE STORY
How fast you fall to sleep, my friend –
The weariness is deep –
The mountains that you climb are steep –
You slumber, not to weep.
Your character was fashioned best
By meeting wilderness –
With river-winding lupine crest –
In aspen-sheltered rest.
(3 July 2009, Crested Butte, Colorado)
DISCERNMENT
DISCERNMENT
It’s good to know such men exist –
That valiant ones are real –
Integrity makes character
From victories of steel.
Their keenness of intelligence –
The covenant they vow –
The confidence of rectitude
Sits solemn on their brow.
Their wisdom is unflinching power –
Their labors rescue souls –
Presiding with the gaze of seers –
Defining self-control.
That such exist is boon enough –
These kings in embryo –
Epitomes of diligence
With hearts as brisk as snow.
(18 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
LIBERTY JAIL (to Joseph Smith)
LIBERTY JAIL (to Joseph Smith)
Even the snares of enemies
Will help economize –
The bonds they cinch – the traps they set –
The Lord will customize
To help us meet our destiny –
Fulfill our mission here –
No matter where they dig the pit
An angel will appear.
(7 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
DECEIVING JUDAS
DECEIVING JUDAS
Betrayed the Lord for thirty marks?
“He earned the criticism –
His message trite – irrelevant –
Who will even miss Him?”
You could not stand His tenderness?
For that He had to die?
“He disregarded protocol –
Besides, it was not I.”
Conveyed them to the olive grove?
You sold His life for pelf?
“I did not crucify the Lord –
He did it to Himself.”
(25 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
JA
JA (to Dag H.)
I dread temptation of dissent –
“Yes” to life and loving –
I dream salvation of assent –
“Yes” to light and learning.
I tread the challenge of ascent –
“Yes” to God and goodness –
I dance inertia of descent –
“Yes” to Christ and kindness.
More than meadows – more than mountains –
I say “yes” to Thy way –
More than milage – more than mansions –
I say “yes” to Thy will.
More than miracles and music –
I say “yes” to Beauty –
More than honors – more than praises –
I say “yes” to Duty.
(25 April 2009 < 25 October 2004, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
SERMO HUMILIS
SERMO HUMILIS
“The poetry lacks Mystery”
A gentle Reader said.
I do have secrets in my soul
And puzzles in my head –
But Some Thing calls me to be plain –
To let my light so shine
That others seeing this may read
The substance of a line.
(15 March 2009, Christmas Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel)
RAIN CHECK
RAIN CHECK
Walking through mirrors of water –
Skipping through windows of brightness –
Running up stairways of thunder –
Riding up towers of lightning.
(24 February 2009)
STOCKING STUFFER
STOCKING STUFFER
Already demons lick their lips –
The frenzied death machine
Anticipates the hollow days
Of planned sterility.
Weep – daughters of America –
Their coupon is a debt –
That makes Nativity avoid
A child you won’t forget.
The discount is a shocking hoax –
The choice they sell is fraud –
Your parenthood is not a curse –
Your baby comes from God.
(29 November 2008, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
KINSHIP
KINSHIP
What if Jesus were my brother?
Would I recognize Thy Son?
Would my eyes be open to Him?
Would I know He was the one?
If I saw Him poor or lonely,
Would I recognize His face?
If I saw a Man afflicted,
Of another tongue or race?
What if Jesus were a stranger?
Would I lend a friendly smile?
Would I welcome Him sincerely?
Would I speak with Him a while?
If he needed my attention,
Would I have the time to pay?
If the Savior’s scars were hidden,
Would I know Him anyway?
(23 August 2009, Maryvale Ward, Phoenix, Arizona)
What if Jesus were my brother?
Would I recognize Thy Son?
Would my eyes be open to Him?
Would I know He was the one?
If I saw Him poor or lonely,
Would I recognize His face?
If I saw a Man afflicted,
Of another tongue or race?
What if Jesus were a stranger?
Would I lend a friendly smile?
Would I welcome Him sincerely?
Would I speak with Him a while?
If he needed my attention,
Would I have the time to pay?
If the Savior’s scars were hidden,
Would I know Him anyway?
(23 August 2009, Maryvale Ward, Phoenix, Arizona)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
PARADISE (for Dr. Madison U. Sowell)
“There is no music yet on earth
That can compare with ours” –
The Children of the Spirit World
Still sing with Morning Stars –
The Sons of God still shout for joy –
Ten thousand Daughters dance –
Saint Carolyn still laughs about
Their innocent romance –
While Sister Shauna leads the Choir
In hymns of solemn prayer –
With one hand on piano keys
And one hand in the air!
Saint Jeanny orders Manna Flakes
And Nectarines for all –
Which Madison and Debra share
With angels great and small –
Then Brother Dante reads the Poem
He wrote for Beatrice –
And E. B. Browning dedicates
Songs “from the Portuguese” –
Now Honored Students celebrate
And colleagues say “Bravo!”
To one whose tune has changed our lives:
We bid you fond “Addio!”
(7 August 2009, Pleasant Grove and Provo, Utah)
(JoLynn Bennett mentioned Madison Sowell to me when we passed a new professor on campus in 1979. Madison was one of the people who helped JoLynn win a full-ride scholarship to Yale. When I returned to BYU as a new professor in the early 1990's, he kindly cited my Dickinson research, attended my RMMLA conference presentation, and wrote a letter for my Third Year Review. He invited me to submit a proposal for an Honors seminar on Emily Dickinson and later for an Honors Advanced Writing course. What a kind friend, mentor, and associate!)
“There is no music yet on earth
That can compare with ours” –
The Children of the Spirit World
Still sing with Morning Stars –
The Sons of God still shout for joy –
Ten thousand Daughters dance –
Saint Carolyn still laughs about
Their innocent romance –
While Sister Shauna leads the Choir
In hymns of solemn prayer –
With one hand on piano keys
And one hand in the air!
Saint Jeanny orders Manna Flakes
And Nectarines for all –
Which Madison and Debra share
With angels great and small –
Then Brother Dante reads the Poem
He wrote for Beatrice –
And E. B. Browning dedicates
Songs “from the Portuguese” –
Now Honored Students celebrate
And colleagues say “Bravo!”
To one whose tune has changed our lives:
We bid you fond “Addio!”
(7 August 2009, Pleasant Grove and Provo, Utah)
(JoLynn Bennett mentioned Madison Sowell to me when we passed a new professor on campus in 1979. Madison was one of the people who helped JoLynn win a full-ride scholarship to Yale. When I returned to BYU as a new professor in the early 1990's, he kindly cited my Dickinson research, attended my RMMLA conference presentation, and wrote a letter for my Third Year Review. He invited me to submit a proposal for an Honors seminar on Emily Dickinson and later for an Honors Advanced Writing course. What a kind friend, mentor, and associate!)
Friday, July 31, 2009
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
What kind of teacher is Jesus?
How does He mentor His students?
How does He foster compassion,
Or kindness, repentance, and truth?
How do we follow His footsteps?
How do we live by His message?
How do we measure the impact
Of Light leading Lives in lessons?
(31 July 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
What kind of teacher is Jesus?
How does He mentor His students?
How does He foster compassion,
Or kindness, repentance, and truth?
How do we follow His footsteps?
How do we live by His message?
How do we measure the impact
Of Light leading Lives in lessons?
(31 July 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
TWO DREAMS (for LSH)
I saw a bundle on the road
And people stopped to aid –
I stalled my car and ran to help –
I saw my friend was dead –
She tried to open up her eyes
When I breathed out her name –
Resuscitation was too late –
Revival never came.
And then I dreamed I needed help –
I didn’t have a ride –
My friend appeared and offered aid –
We ran so fast and wide –
We sprinted roads – we vaulted walls –
It didn’t seem that far –
We passed the schoolroom where she taught –
We found her new white car.
(30 July 2009, Provo, Utah)
I saw a bundle on the road
And people stopped to aid –
I stalled my car and ran to help –
I saw my friend was dead –
She tried to open up her eyes
When I breathed out her name –
Resuscitation was too late –
Revival never came.
And then I dreamed I needed help –
I didn’t have a ride –
My friend appeared and offered aid –
We ran so fast and wide –
We sprinted roads – we vaulted walls –
It didn’t seem that far –
We passed the schoolroom where she taught –
We found her new white car.
(30 July 2009, Provo, Utah)
WHEAT AND TARES
WHEAT AND TARES
I will not listen to the Curse –
I’ll hear the Bless instead –
I will not heed the Undertone
That’s pulling in my head.
I’ll hear the overriding Hope
That leaps across the Log –
I will not fear the Predator
Or languish in the fog.
I’ll listen to the Present sense –
I’ll rest the Preterite –
I’ll vanquish enervating Doom
With Light confederate.
Humility means looking up –
Not groveling in Guilt –
I will not underestimate
The Blood Atonement spilt.
My strengths and weaknesses both count
When He is Auditor –
I’ll face the daily Judgment bar
With Christ as Creditor.
(30 July 2009, Provo, Utah)
I will not listen to the Curse –
I’ll hear the Bless instead –
I will not heed the Undertone
That’s pulling in my head.
I’ll hear the overriding Hope
That leaps across the Log –
I will not fear the Predator
Or languish in the fog.
I’ll listen to the Present sense –
I’ll rest the Preterite –
I’ll vanquish enervating Doom
With Light confederate.
Humility means looking up –
Not groveling in Guilt –
I will not underestimate
The Blood Atonement spilt.
My strengths and weaknesses both count
When He is Auditor –
I’ll face the daily Judgment bar
With Christ as Creditor.
(30 July 2009, Provo, Utah)
Friday, July 17, 2009
HIM
HIM (for Leanna)
He’ll meet me at the Tree of Light –
He’ll offer me a vow –
He’ll carry me across the gulf
No matter Torments howl.
He’ll welcome me into his arms –
He’ll wipe my tears away –
Embellish me with Wisdom’s pearls
And treasure words I say.
He’ll find me on the Narrow Road –
He’ll share the load I bear –
When I arrive in Paradise
I’ll meet my True Love there.
(17 July 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
He’ll meet me at the Tree of Light –
He’ll offer me a vow –
He’ll carry me across the gulf
No matter Torments howl.
He’ll welcome me into his arms –
He’ll wipe my tears away –
Embellish me with Wisdom’s pearls
And treasure words I say.
He’ll find me on the Narrow Road –
He’ll share the load I bear –
When I arrive in Paradise
I’ll meet my True Love there.
(17 July 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
NIGHT LIGHT
NIGHT LIGHT
An unpretentious history
Is talking in your sleep –
A particle of light you held –
Expedient and deep –
Is gaining swift velocity
And shedding mystery
In daunting luminosity –
It wakens reverie.
(3 July 2009, Crested Butte, Colorado)
An unpretentious history
Is talking in your sleep –
A particle of light you held –
Expedient and deep –
Is gaining swift velocity
And shedding mystery
In daunting luminosity –
It wakens reverie.
(3 July 2009, Crested Butte, Colorado)
WHO MAKES INTERCESSION
WHO MAKES INTERCESSION
He sent my mind a Blessing –
Like hands upon my head –
As if the Father taught me
Respect for self instead
Of auto-condemnation.
We promises reviewed
And words of consecration –
The covenants renewed –
Pacific confirmation
That set my thoughts apart
For meekness and refinement –
Not cogitating buffets
Or darts of scarring flame –
Instead a concentration –
Remembering His name.
(8 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
He sent my mind a Blessing –
Like hands upon my head –
As if the Father taught me
Respect for self instead
Of auto-condemnation.
We promises reviewed
And words of consecration –
The covenants renewed –
Pacific confirmation
That set my thoughts apart
For meekness and refinement –
Not cogitating buffets
Or darts of scarring flame –
Instead a concentration –
Remembering His name.
(8 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
PROCLAMATION
PROCLAMATION
The heart of the husband
Will turn to the housewife –
The heart of the woman
Will return to the man.
The head of the family
Will tender protection –
The mother will nurture
As the father provides.
The hero will counter
The wrath of the serpent –
The lady be valiant
As Deity’s servant.
(18 June 2009, Provo, Utah)
The heart of the husband
Will turn to the housewife –
The heart of the woman
Will return to the man.
The head of the family
Will tender protection –
The mother will nurture
As the father provides.
The hero will counter
The wrath of the serpent –
The lady be valiant
As Deity’s servant.
(18 June 2009, Provo, Utah)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
CANNERY
CANNERY
Machinery of metal
Begins cancophony –
A carousel of pistons –
A blistering of steam –
The fellowship of workers –
The rhythm of the tasks –
The providence of order –
Good labor – all we ask.
(24 February 2009, Lindon, Utah)
Machinery of metal
Begins cancophony –
A carousel of pistons –
A blistering of steam –
The fellowship of workers –
The rhythm of the tasks –
The providence of order –
Good labor – all we ask.
(24 February 2009, Lindon, Utah)
MARATHON
MARATHON (For Michael R. Hallen)
As if the stars were not enough –
As if the moon were pale –
As if the planets were mere dust –
As if the sun were stale –
As if the birds were static noise –
As if the breeze were vain –
As if all landscape were mirage –
As if all sky were rain
A doubting darkness tries to hide
The route that leads to God –
But we just hum the songs of life
And follow where He trod –
Avoiding any crooked paths –
Contamination’s death –
He helps us make the finish line –
Providing second breath.
(16 January 2009, Phoenix, Arizona)
TEMPLE DATE
TEMPLE DATE
O be wiser – O have vision –
Drink the light of that Place
Where particulating wave-lengths
Shall immensify Space.
(16 January 2009, Mount Timpanogos Temple, American Fork, Utah)
O be wiser – O have vision –
Drink the light of that Place
Where particulating wave-lengths
Shall immensify Space.
(16 January 2009, Mount Timpanogos Temple, American Fork, Utah)
"I HAVE FEELINGS"
“I Have Feelings” (For Dawson, Libby, Jenna)
"When baby brother takes my toys –
That’s when I’m sad a bit –
But sharing solves the problem quick –
And I get over it."
"When thunder rolls and lights go out –
That’s when I feel quite scared –
But we have candles in the house
My parents have prepared."
"When every thing goes wrong at once –
Or when I get worn down –
I might feel just a little mad –
But I can smile, not frown."
And what makes you feel glad? I asked
A beaming three-year old:
"When Jesus whispers in my ear –
It tickles some, you know.
When Jesus whispers in my ear –
Or when the Holy Ghost –
It kind of tickles then, you know –
That’s when I’m glad the most."
(1 July 2009, Sunbeam class, Grove Creek 8th Ward, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
"When baby brother takes my toys –
That’s when I’m sad a bit –
But sharing solves the problem quick –
And I get over it."
"When thunder rolls and lights go out –
That’s when I feel quite scared –
But we have candles in the house
My parents have prepared."
"When every thing goes wrong at once –
Or when I get worn down –
I might feel just a little mad –
But I can smile, not frown."
And what makes you feel glad? I asked
A beaming three-year old:
"When Jesus whispers in my ear –
It tickles some, you know.
When Jesus whispers in my ear –
Or when the Holy Ghost –
It kind of tickles then, you know –
That’s when I’m glad the most."
(1 July 2009, Sunbeam class, Grove Creek 8th Ward, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Monday, June 29, 2009
MAY – I
MAY – I
I’m not quite yet the person
I want to be for you.
The process may take eons
Before the work is through.
I’m not quite yet the servant
I long to be for Thee.
The meekness may take ages
To offer perfectly.
I’m not quite yet the daughter
I hope to be for Him,
My weaknesses seem larger –
Though time makes Love less dim.
(3 May 2009, Provo, Utah)
I’m not quite yet the person
I want to be for you.
The process may take eons
Before the work is through.
I’m not quite yet the servant
I long to be for Thee.
The meekness may take ages
To offer perfectly.
I’m not quite yet the daughter
I hope to be for Him,
My weaknesses seem larger –
Though time makes Love less dim.
(3 May 2009, Provo, Utah)
CALCIUM LINE
CALCIUM LINE (from James K. Hallen and Emily E. Dickinson)
The stars that move away are red –
Approaching ones are blue.
Red arteries give oxygen –
The blue veins will refuel.
The Magellanic clouds are stars
Below Equator’s ring.
The Earth – light’s brightest radio –
Has prayers for signaling.
Circumference – periphery
Will bear the words around.
Mimesis – imitatio –
A Milky Way of sound.
Periphrasis tells truth by slant
In rays of slight degree.
Circùmlocútion tilts the Pole –
Reception’s apogee.
(21 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
The stars that move away are red –
Approaching ones are blue.
Red arteries give oxygen –
The blue veins will refuel.
The Magellanic clouds are stars
Below Equator’s ring.
The Earth – light’s brightest radio –
Has prayers for signaling.
Circumference – periphery
Will bear the words around.
Mimesis – imitatio –
A Milky Way of sound.
Periphrasis tells truth by slant
In rays of slight degree.
Circùmlocútion tilts the Pole –
Reception’s apogee.
(21 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
CORDS (John 2:15)
CORDS (John 2:15)
Why did He cleanse the Temple twice –
Confront the thieving den?
So patient facing many wrongs –
Why risk the wrath of men?
Why turn the tables in the Court –
Why purge the blasphemy?
Instead of overlooking graft –
Why challenge usury?
He had to show us how to act
When desecrations spoil.
He had to teach us how to guard
The consecrated oil –
Instructing us to choose the Right
When opposition reigns –
Exemplifying Majesty
To break corruption’s chains.
The inner vessel must be cleared –
The chambers purified.
No unclean thing can enter where
His presence will abide.
Though persecutions rant and rage –
No accusation stands.
He valiantly redeems the space
Blessed by His Father’s hands.
(21 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
“I BELONG TO A FAMILY”
“I BELONG TO A FAMILY”
You made a trusty Nest for me
Before my mortal birth –
So I could learn to feed and sing
When I arrived on earth.
You kept me safely snug and warm,
Then taught me how to fly.
I thank you, Mother, Father dear,
For showing me the Sky.
(28 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
You made a trusty Nest for me
Before my mortal birth –
So I could learn to feed and sing
When I arrived on earth.
You kept me safely snug and warm,
Then taught me how to fly.
I thank you, Mother, Father dear,
For showing me the Sky.
(28 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
ROBIN’S DISCREPANCY
ROBIN’S DISCREPANCY
I held him in my Hostage Hands –
He yielded to my weak Demands –
He settled in a cotton cell –
Recovered in a cardboard shell.
The Robin is the Bard – the Bead.
His eye – a prayer to intercede.
Upon the ground a wild cat creeps –
Beneath the earth a Robin sleeps.
The Robin is the Poem, I said.
These not my words, but his instead.
I only listen and record
The funeral of a wounded bird.
(2 April 2008, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
I held him in my Hostage Hands –
He yielded to my weak Demands –
He settled in a cotton cell –
Recovered in a cardboard shell.
The Robin is the Bard – the Bead.
His eye – a prayer to intercede.
Upon the ground a wild cat creeps –
Beneath the earth a Robin sleeps.
The Robin is the Poem, I said.
These not my words, but his instead.
I only listen and record
The funeral of a wounded bird.
(2 April 2008, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
HOW A POEM BEGINS (for Emily D.)
HOW A POEM BEGINS
That every one will rise again
Astounding Clemency –
That every corpus spirit meet
Refutes Duplicity –
To love – to sing – Circumference –
A Poet’s legacy –
Our Business is to Resurrect –
Resplendent Company.
(25 June 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
That every one will rise again
Astounding Clemency –
That every corpus spirit meet
Refutes Duplicity –
To love – to sing – Circumference –
A Poet’s legacy –
Our Business is to Resurrect –
Resplendent Company.
(25 June 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
Monday, June 15, 2009
LONGING PSALM
LONGING PSALM (for CSW)
I wish I could have been the one
In lone Gethsemane
Who held the Savior when He wept
For them – for you – for me.
I wish I could have cooled His brow
And wiped the sweat away –
I wish I could have stayed awake
As long as He could pray.
I wish I could have heard the plea
Of mediation’s case –
I wish I could have eased the hurt
That marred His patient face.
I wish I could have helped Him pay
The price of sin that night –
I wish I could have run to Him
When others fled in fright.
I wish I could have followed Him
And stopped the brutal men
Who desecrated holiness –
Who made Him bleed again.
I wish I could have shouted “No”
When Pilate asked the crowd
If they would crucify their King –
But that was not allowed.
He willingly accepted doom
To finish Judgment’s claim –
I wish I could have bourne His griefs –
Instead – I’ll bear His name.
(20 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
I wish I could have been the one
In lone Gethsemane
Who held the Savior when He wept
For them – for you – for me.
I wish I could have cooled His brow
And wiped the sweat away –
I wish I could have stayed awake
As long as He could pray.
I wish I could have heard the plea
Of mediation’s case –
I wish I could have eased the hurt
That marred His patient face.
I wish I could have helped Him pay
The price of sin that night –
I wish I could have run to Him
When others fled in fright.
I wish I could have followed Him
And stopped the brutal men
Who desecrated holiness –
Who made Him bleed again.
I wish I could have shouted “No”
When Pilate asked the crowd
If they would crucify their King –
But that was not allowed.
He willingly accepted doom
To finish Judgment’s claim –
I wish I could have bourne His griefs –
Instead – I’ll bear His name.
(20 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
“YET IN MY FLESH”
“YET IN MY FLESH” (for K. S.)
All Synagogues and Mosques will glow –
All Temples be restored –
All Tabernacles rise again –
By Virtue of our Lord.
All desolation be Redeemed –
All broken walls Replaced –
A Restitution of all things
Prepares us for His Face.
The body is a Sacred Space
Defined by Purity –
The heart is the Most Holy Place
Where we can ever Be.
(6 June 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
All Synagogues and Mosques will glow –
All Temples be restored –
All Tabernacles rise again –
By Virtue of our Lord.
All desolation be Redeemed –
All broken walls Replaced –
A Restitution of all things
Prepares us for His Face.
The body is a Sacred Space
Defined by Purity –
The heart is the Most Holy Place
Where we can ever Be.
(6 June 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
LEADER
LEADER (for J. R.)
Kindness is the renovator –
The walls come tumbling down –
A Jericho defensiveness
Becomes an open town.
A note on linen paper card
With message from a Peer
Who pours out praise in equity
Will help bring Zion here.
(5 June 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
Kindness is the renovator –
The walls come tumbling down –
A Jericho defensiveness
Becomes an open town.
A note on linen paper card
With message from a Peer
Who pours out praise in equity
Will help bring Zion here.
(5 June 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
ASLAN
ASLAN (for Truman Madsen)
The fact the Savior will come back
Grows clearer every day –
Though Spring is on Sabbatical,
And Summer is away,
And winter wants to stay all year
With breezy chilly blast –
An unforgiving attitude
Like grudges from the past –
But Light replaces every front
Though storms are brisk and bold,
And cheerful Robins – plus Magpies –
Rebuke the lagging cold.
While potentates and prodigals
Pronounce that Earth is spent,
Great Companies and Chariots
Surround the innocent,
And underneath the straggling frost
In every Garden bed,
A Tree of Life is rooting deep –
Producing Fruit instead.
(27 May 2009, Alnö, Sweden)
The fact the Savior will come back
Grows clearer every day –
Though Spring is on Sabbatical,
And Summer is away,
And winter wants to stay all year
With breezy chilly blast –
An unforgiving attitude
Like grudges from the past –
But Light replaces every front
Though storms are brisk and bold,
And cheerful Robins – plus Magpies –
Rebuke the lagging cold.
While potentates and prodigals
Pronounce that Earth is spent,
Great Companies and Chariots
Surround the innocent,
And underneath the straggling frost
In every Garden bed,
A Tree of Life is rooting deep –
Producing Fruit instead.
(27 May 2009, Alnö, Sweden)
DOILY
DOILY
Making lace means counting space –
The looping strands make rime –
Slender hooks spin filigree
That threads life into time.
Delicate translucency
Creates a candid net –
Intricate simplicities
Not easy to forget.
Doubled damask tapestry
Impresses connoisseur –
Fragile chains of sheer crochet
May also please Monsieur?
(24 May 2009, Alnö, Sweden)
Making lace means counting space –
The looping strands make rime –
Slender hooks spin filigree
That threads life into time.
Delicate translucency
Creates a candid net –
Intricate simplicities
Not easy to forget.
Doubled damask tapestry
Impresses connoisseur –
Fragile chains of sheer crochet
May also please Monsieur?
(24 May 2009, Alnö, Sweden)
OVE’S ODE
OVE’S ODE
“Old people look like birds,” he said –
A splendid senior man.
“It’s good for people to grow old –
The ageing helps them plan –
For they have long to travel yet
From here to other years –
Their blinking eyes anticipate
The higher atmospheres.”
He kindly showed me how to buy
My tickets for the train,
Then cycled off to Sweden’s trails
In sun – or cloud and rain.
“The need to eat beats politics,”
He taught at evening’s board.
“Will you please tell what you believe?
I’d like to know the Lord.”
(20 May 2009, Stockholm, Sweden)
“Old people look like birds,” he said –
A splendid senior man.
“It’s good for people to grow old –
The ageing helps them plan –
For they have long to travel yet
From here to other years –
Their blinking eyes anticipate
The higher atmospheres.”
He kindly showed me how to buy
My tickets for the train,
Then cycled off to Sweden’s trails
In sun – or cloud and rain.
“The need to eat beats politics,”
He taught at evening’s board.
“Will you please tell what you believe?
I’d like to know the Lord.”
(20 May 2009, Stockholm, Sweden)
DRAMA QUEEN
DRAMA QUEEN
I thought that poetry would fail
When Hope seemed hoax again –
But words still work, and light peaks through
The curtains in my brain.
Who says that artists have to brood?
A writer’s heart must break?
Though blood looks rusty in my lines,
I write – for goodness sake.
“The Poet” left the titles off –
But I like naming verse –
As if to christen sets a stage
Where wonder can rehearse.
Paralysis is merely pride –
Procrastination’s gone –
The patient actors wait backstage –
The Epic must go on.
(15 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
I thought that poetry would fail
When Hope seemed hoax again –
But words still work, and light peaks through
The curtains in my brain.
Who says that artists have to brood?
A writer’s heart must break?
Though blood looks rusty in my lines,
I write – for goodness sake.
“The Poet” left the titles off –
But I like naming verse –
As if to christen sets a stage
Where wonder can rehearse.
Paralysis is merely pride –
Procrastination’s gone –
The patient actors wait backstage –
The Epic must go on.
(15 June 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
RETURN TO VIRTUE
Virginity means future joy,
Intelligent desire,
Resisting decadent despair,
To build the purest fire,
Unspotted from the world of waste,
Enduring all -- fulfilled and chaste.
(9 May 2009, Grove Creek Canyon, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Intelligent desire,
Resisting decadent despair,
To build the purest fire,
Unspotted from the world of waste,
Enduring all -- fulfilled and chaste.
(9 May 2009, Grove Creek Canyon, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
BASE CAMP
I wish my home were "Bethany" --
That He would stop to rest.
I wish He could find comfort here --
That He would be my guest.
(25 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
That He would stop to rest.
I wish He could find comfort here --
That He would be my guest.
(25 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
HURDLES
He's not afraid of obstacles --
The hurdler greets the bars --
He calculates the energy
That vaults him over spars.
He's not ashamed to show his strength --
He only has to run --
In seconds he can meet the lengths
Of barriers we shun.
Time is the test -- mediocre
Or Excellent? We choose.
Just to breathe, exquisite pleasure --
Appreciate -- or lose?
(6 May 2009, Provo, Utah)
The hurdler greets the bars --
He calculates the energy
That vaults him over spars.
He's not ashamed to show his strength --
He only has to run --
In seconds he can meet the lengths
Of barriers we shun.
Time is the test -- mediocre
Or Excellent? We choose.
Just to breathe, exquisite pleasure --
Appreciate -- or lose?
(6 May 2009, Provo, Utah)
RETRIEVAL
The Savior walked on Utah Lake.
He raised the Iron Man
Who drowned in shallow stormy waves.
He dried him, and they ran
To rescue other struggling ones
Who sank, though they were strong --
To lift the weaker lonely souls
Who seeking right, went wrong.
(10 May, Provo, Utah)
He raised the Iron Man
Who drowned in shallow stormy waves.
He dried him, and they ran
To rescue other struggling ones
Who sank, though they were strong --
To lift the weaker lonely souls
Who seeking right, went wrong.
(10 May, Provo, Utah)
TIL SUNDSVALL
I'm traveling to my deepest roots --
The place where mothers wove
The pattern of our DNA --
The codes that bid us rove --
Remembering the ancestors --
The cousins and the kith --
Descending into histories
Beyond the runes of myth.
(11 May 2009, Skåne, Sweden)
The place where mothers wove
The pattern of our DNA --
The codes that bid us rove --
Remembering the ancestors --
The cousins and the kith --
Descending into histories
Beyond the runes of myth.
(11 May 2009, Skåne, Sweden)
THREE
THREE
How can I be clean again?
Like Sunbeams chasing birds?
Like butterflies unfurling?
Like toddlers learning words?
He’s gathering the children.
He’s numbering the herd.
I’ll know Him as the Shepherd.
He feeds me with His word.
He will fulfill the promise –
The banishment will end.
He leads me to the mountain
Where little lambs ascend.
(21 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
How can I be clean again?
Like Sunbeams chasing birds?
Like butterflies unfurling?
Like toddlers learning words?
He’s gathering the children.
He’s numbering the herd.
I’ll know Him as the Shepherd.
He feeds me with His word.
He will fulfill the promise –
The banishment will end.
He leads me to the mountain
Where little lambs ascend.
(21 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
NATURAL DAY OF PRAYER
Because it is May, and the sun
Yawns over the mountain –
The birds turn into accountants –
Grass dews under the Day.
Because it is Thine, and the trees
Grow next to the hedges –
The way connects to the edges
Of sky – And life is mine.
Because it is Spring, and the air
Dawns out of the canyon –
The east reviews golden banners –
Nature’s prayer bids us sing.
(7 May 2009, Provo, Utah)
Yawns over the mountain –
The birds turn into accountants –
Grass dews under the Day.
Because it is Thine, and the trees
Grow next to the hedges –
The way connects to the edges
Of sky – And life is mine.
Because it is Spring, and the air
Dawns out of the canyon –
The east reviews golden banners –
Nature’s prayer bids us sing.
(7 May 2009, Provo, Utah)
Friday, May 1, 2009
"COME FORTH"
Children spring up over hurdles –
But grown ones stay low and intense –
Humbled by gravity’s circuit –
They bow as they face the ascents.
Lazarus bends before rising –
He flexes the tendons and heels –
Loosens the wrappings and bindings –
He stretches each muscle – he kneels –
He steps up – goes through the passage –
He meets expiration with breath –
Dashing to life – old bars passing –
Heart racing – he runs out of death.
(1 May 2009, Provo, Utah)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
“GO THY WAY”
Raise the banner of Virtue –
Heed not the mocking of Men –
Hold to the Rod of scripture –
Partake of the Tree again.
Share the fruit with my Children –
Speak with me morning and night –
Follow the Spirit’s prompting –
Choose well, then work, serve, and write.
(27 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
Heed not the mocking of Men –
Hold to the Rod of scripture –
Partake of the Tree again.
Share the fruit with my Children –
Speak with me morning and night –
Follow the Spirit’s prompting –
Choose well, then work, serve, and write.
(27 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
ACCEPTANCE (Luke 7)
How did she know where to find Him?
How did she dare to approach them?
How could she suffer the smirking?
How did she bear the reproaching?
Why did she cry when she knelt there?
Why did she give the guest welcome?
Why did she carry such perfume
Into the Pharisee’s feast room?
She washed His feet with fuller’s tears –
Then dried them with her linen hair –
Anointed them with spikenard myrrhs –
She kneaded them with utmost care:
“How beautiful upon the hills
The heels of Him who walked with us –
How wonderful among the towns
The toes of Him – that gathered dust.”
How lyrical upon her ears
The words of His clear gratitude –
Phenomenal the message of
His understanding attitude:
“This absolution for my death
Brings incense to the temple door –
Thy love is great – forgiveness thine –
Go now in peace and sin no more.”
(10 February 2009, Provo, Utah)
How did she dare to approach them?
How could she suffer the smirking?
How did she bear the reproaching?
Why did she cry when she knelt there?
Why did she give the guest welcome?
Why did she carry such perfume
Into the Pharisee’s feast room?
She washed His feet with fuller’s tears –
Then dried them with her linen hair –
Anointed them with spikenard myrrhs –
She kneaded them with utmost care:
“How beautiful upon the hills
The heels of Him who walked with us –
How wonderful among the towns
The toes of Him – that gathered dust.”
How lyrical upon her ears
The words of His clear gratitude –
Phenomenal the message of
His understanding attitude:
“This absolution for my death
Brings incense to the temple door –
Thy love is great – forgiveness thine –
Go now in peace and sin no more.”
(10 February 2009, Provo, Utah)
Friday, April 24, 2009
BABY’S BREATH
I cannot give my heart for nought
For it was bought with drops
Of blood that poured from every pore
And Love that never stops.
I cannot cast my pearls in vain
For they were formed with tears
Of pain that covered every grain –
With Hope that reappears.
I offer everything I am
Without a wince of shame –
For He provided us with Faith –
Protected by His name.
(20 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
For it was bought with drops
Of blood that poured from every pore
And Love that never stops.
I cannot cast my pearls in vain
For they were formed with tears
Of pain that covered every grain –
With Hope that reappears.
I offer everything I am
Without a wince of shame –
For He provided us with Faith –
Protected by His name.
(20 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
“SPRING COMES LATE”
The higher the mountain –
The later the spring.
The longer the waiting –
The sweeter we sing.
The greener the meadow,
The purer the light.
The cleaner the water,
The fresher delight.
(10 January 2009, Provo, Utah)
The later the spring.
The longer the waiting –
The sweeter we sing.
The greener the meadow,
The purer the light.
The cleaner the water,
The fresher delight.
(10 January 2009, Provo, Utah)
CIRCUIT
Light is the circumference –
Truth, the radius –
Poetry, the pin point
For the compass quest.
Writing sets up waymarks –
Reading lights the path
Leading to perfection –
Love the Father hath.
(3 December 2008, Provo, Utah)
Truth, the radius –
Poetry, the pin point
For the compass quest.
Writing sets up waymarks –
Reading lights the path
Leading to perfection –
Love the Father hath.
(3 December 2008, Provo, Utah)
BAPTISM
Immersion is a quenching shield
To thwart the fiery darts
And mists of darkness Evil sends
To sabotage our hearts.
The Living Water flows to wash
Away our selfishness –
The weekly Sacrament restores
Our soul to cleanliness.
As newborn infants bathed and clothed
We eat and drink to grow
In stature, favor, righteousness
Until back home we go.
(6 December 2008, Provo, Utah)
To thwart the fiery darts
And mists of darkness Evil sends
To sabotage our hearts.
The Living Water flows to wash
Away our selfishness –
The weekly Sacrament restores
Our soul to cleanliness.
As newborn infants bathed and clothed
We eat and drink to grow
In stature, favor, righteousness
Until back home we go.
(6 December 2008, Provo, Utah)
JOB MEETS NEPHI
“Knowest thou His condescension?”
I know He that he loves Man –
But I do not know everything
Pertaining to His plan.
“Ask now the birds, and they shall tell –
Ask beasts, and they shall teach –
Speak to the Earth, it shall declare –
Even the worms can preach –
Behold a Virgin, pure and fair –
Look at the Child she bears.”
I see – her Child will carry us
As we endure our cares.
(29 November 2008, Glendale, Arizona)
I know He that he loves Man –
But I do not know everything
Pertaining to His plan.
“Ask now the birds, and they shall tell –
Ask beasts, and they shall teach –
Speak to the Earth, it shall declare –
Even the worms can preach –
Behold a Virgin, pure and fair –
Look at the Child she bears.”
I see – her Child will carry us
As we endure our cares.
(29 November 2008, Glendale, Arizona)
AUDITION (for Susan Boyle)
The awkwardness was beautiful –
It made a perfect foil
For all the hidden grandeur of
A song that scorn can’t spoil.
The ethos of transparency –
The curtain of surprise
Raised up the audience to you
And opened jaded eyes.
The hope that millions sublimate
Awakened with your notes –
And suddenly the critics gave
Unanimous “yes” votes.
The show was more than wasted fate –
The tigers backed away –
Love is more real than you or me –
No one can kill that Day.
(24 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
It made a perfect foil
For all the hidden grandeur of
A song that scorn can’t spoil.
The ethos of transparency –
The curtain of surprise
Raised up the audience to you
And opened jaded eyes.
The hope that millions sublimate
Awakened with your notes –
And suddenly the critics gave
Unanimous “yes” votes.
The show was more than wasted fate –
The tigers backed away –
Love is more real than you or me –
No one can kill that Day.
(24 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
Monday, April 20, 2009
GARMENTS (see Jacob 2)
If we could understand the price
He paid to make us clean –
We would not dally with the world
Or toy with the obscene.
If we could see how hard He worked
To free us from the stain –
We’d willingly forsake our sins
To restitute His pain.
Our feelings would be delicate –
Our longings would be chaste –
The tenderness of family love
Would never be replaced
By customary insolence –
By denigrating ploys –
Or habit-forming indolence
That steals our sweetest joys.
Instead we’d treasure wholesomeness
Through Him who made us whole –
We’d love the Lord and all our kin
With heart, mind, body, soul.
(20 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
He paid to make us clean –
We would not dally with the world
Or toy with the obscene.
If we could see how hard He worked
To free us from the stain –
We’d willingly forsake our sins
To restitute His pain.
Our feelings would be delicate –
Our longings would be chaste –
The tenderness of family love
Would never be replaced
By customary insolence –
By denigrating ploys –
Or habit-forming indolence
That steals our sweetest joys.
Instead we’d treasure wholesomeness
Through Him who made us whole –
We’d love the Lord and all our kin
With heart, mind, body, soul.
(20 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
COUNTING THE COST
Broken by torture, by scourge, by abuse –
Taunted by mocking, by spit, by rebuke –
Laden with burdens, with sorrow, with care –
Bleeding in bruises, in thorns, in despair.
Risen by morning, by dawn, by daybreak –
Haunting the garden, He couldn’t forsake
The women who went, the quick nor the dead –
He ransomed the children of Eden from dread.
(20 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
Taunted by mocking, by spit, by rebuke –
Laden with burdens, with sorrow, with care –
Bleeding in bruises, in thorns, in despair.
Risen by morning, by dawn, by daybreak –
Haunting the garden, He couldn’t forsake
The women who went, the quick nor the dead –
He ransomed the children of Eden from dread.
(20 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
HEART TURNS
Late afternoon in Provo –
Your ancestors call to me –
The pioneers of persons
Who now serve faithfully.
They call me to nostalgia –
They ask about their sons.
I don’t know how to answer.
I am a convert one.
(24 February 2009, Provo, Utah)
Your ancestors call to me –
The pioneers of persons
Who now serve faithfully.
They call me to nostalgia –
They ask about their sons.
I don’t know how to answer.
I am a convert one.
(24 February 2009, Provo, Utah)
THEY AND THOU
They gave Thee bitter:
Thou giv’st us water.
They gave Thee death:
Thou giv’st us breath.
They gave Thee harm:
Thou giv’st us balm.
They gave Thee pain:
Thou giv’st us peace.
They gave Thee wounds:
Thou giv’st us wealth.
They gave Thee shame:
Thou giv’st us shade.
They gave Thee blame:
Thou giv’st Thy name.
(11 June 2006, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Thou giv’st us water.
They gave Thee death:
Thou giv’st us breath.
They gave Thee harm:
Thou giv’st us balm.
They gave Thee pain:
Thou giv’st us peace.
They gave Thee wounds:
Thou giv’st us wealth.
They gave Thee shame:
Thou giv’st us shade.
They gave Thee blame:
Thou giv’st Thy name.
(11 June 2006, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
TWENTY QUESTIONS
How does light make words and worlds?
How does breath make living?
How does truth plant trees in yards?
How does love make giving?
How does touch make miracles?
How does death make healing?
How does woe make fragrant oil?
How do tears make sealing?
Just a servant in the house?
A stranger passing by?
Who was the sinful woman
That brought the spikenard by?
Was it me, Lord? Was it I?
Someone had to cherish?
Give a tribute for the Soul
Not afraid to perish
So we could be remembered
By not neglecting Thee
And thus be resurrected
In Thy facsimile?
Am I clean now? Free to go?
Was my offering sanctified?
How thank Thee for accepting
Me? Even when I cried?
(3 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
How does breath make living?
How does truth plant trees in yards?
How does love make giving?
How does touch make miracles?
How does death make healing?
How does woe make fragrant oil?
How do tears make sealing?
Just a servant in the house?
A stranger passing by?
Who was the sinful woman
That brought the spikenard by?
Was it me, Lord? Was it I?
Someone had to cherish?
Give a tribute for the Soul
Not afraid to perish
So we could be remembered
By not neglecting Thee
And thus be resurrected
In Thy facsimile?
Am I clean now? Free to go?
Was my offering sanctified?
How thank Thee for accepting
Me? Even when I cried?
(3 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
TALENTS
“Trust yourself,” He counseled –
How? When I’m so weak?
“Trust the Lord,” He countered –
“Faith is not oblique.”
“You are not a stranger
To the Spirit’s script.
The parable is clear.
Do well. You’re equipped.”
Trust has much to teach me –
I have such to gain –
Confidence is easy
Once you swallow pain.
(24 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
How? When I’m so weak?
“Trust the Lord,” He countered –
“Faith is not oblique.”
“You are not a stranger
To the Spirit’s script.
The parable is clear.
Do well. You’re equipped.”
Trust has much to teach me –
I have such to gain –
Confidence is easy
Once you swallow pain.
(24 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
TRANSEAMUS (We shall change)
Instead of blindness, to choose light –
Instead of stasis, act.
Instead of ignorance, to know –
Instead of theory, fact.
Instead of harshness, to be kind –
Instead of muteness, speak.
Instead of arrogance, to care.
Instead of hardness, meek.
(23 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Instead of stasis, act.
Instead of ignorance, to know –
Instead of theory, fact.
Instead of harshness, to be kind –
Instead of muteness, speak.
Instead of arrogance, to care.
Instead of hardness, meek.
(23 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
SCRIBE
The Muses of the Other World
Ask us to write for Thee –
They miss the days of pen and hand –
They yearn for poetry.
The Angels of Elysium
Record what we make here –
As if we publish in accord
Eternal atmosphere.
(24 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Ask us to write for Thee –
They miss the days of pen and hand –
They yearn for poetry.
The Angels of Elysium
Record what we make here –
As if we publish in accord
Eternal atmosphere.
(24 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
RING AROUND
Hope means it’s not too late to love –
Love means that light is real –
Real means that every soul we meet
Can think, grow, learn, change, feel.
Feel means it’s not too late to learn –
Learn means the power to think –
Think means real wisdom gives us sight –
To see, know, hope – not sink.
(19 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Love means that light is real –
Real means that every soul we meet
Can think, grow, learn, change, feel.
Feel means it’s not too late to learn –
Learn means the power to think –
Think means real wisdom gives us sight –
To see, know, hope – not sink.
(19 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
WINDOW WELLS
He hath not spoken in secret –
The Lord speaks openly –
Assemble – draw near together –
Approach Him reverently.
Each anthem reviews Creation –
Each invocation counts –
The skies pour down Salvation's stores
In benediction founts.
(20 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
The Lord speaks openly –
Assemble – draw near together –
Approach Him reverently.
Each anthem reviews Creation –
Each invocation counts –
The skies pour down Salvation's stores
In benediction founts.
(20 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
LEAN
He cannot walk in crooked paths –
He does not deviate –
He has no shadow turning wrong –
The route is keen and strait.
How often He would gather us –
But we want our own way –
He offers us a second chance –
Refining gold from clay.
If we will keep our covenants –
Winds, tempests, doubts never
Can shake us from eternal rounds –
Now, tomorrow, ever.
(20 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
He does not deviate –
He has no shadow turning wrong –
The route is keen and strait.
How often He would gather us –
But we want our own way –
He offers us a second chance –
Refining gold from clay.
If we will keep our covenants –
Winds, tempests, doubts never
Can shake us from eternal rounds –
Now, tomorrow, ever.
(20 April 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
GROWING UP
It’s not about me – rather Thee –
The selfless price Thou paid’st –
It’s not about my will – but Thine –
The sacrifice Thou mad’st.
Not about pleasing kings or queens –
It’s about feeding sheep
The bread of life – the water quick –
Helping lame lambs leap.
The alms and prayers are not for show –
Songs not for earth’s reward –
The gifts we share will glorify
Thee – risen perfect Lord.
The poems and hymns are gratitude –
Though words inadequate –
And how the Angels add their voice –
Enough to compensate.
(20 April 2009, Pleasant Grove and Provo, Utah)
The selfless price Thou paid’st –
It’s not about my will – but Thine –
The sacrifice Thou mad’st.
Not about pleasing kings or queens –
It’s about feeding sheep
The bread of life – the water quick –
Helping lame lambs leap.
The alms and prayers are not for show –
Songs not for earth’s reward –
The gifts we share will glorify
Thee – risen perfect Lord.
The poems and hymns are gratitude –
Though words inadequate –
And how the Angels add their voice –
Enough to compensate.
(20 April 2009, Pleasant Grove and Provo, Utah)
MATURATION (for ELH)
Freedom is gained by earning trust –
True love is guaranteed.
Wisdom is found by learning much –
Real life is refereed.
Friendship is won by listening –
Sincerity succeeds –
Kinship is nourished eye to eye –
Attention intercedes.
(20 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
True love is guaranteed.
Wisdom is found by learning much –
Real life is refereed.
Friendship is won by listening –
Sincerity succeeds –
Kinship is nourished eye to eye –
Attention intercedes.
(20 April 2009, Provo, Utah)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
SLIP MOON
Almost is near enough
In waking Galilee –
The post-full moon is still a pearl
Above the laving sea.
This version of the bead
Forgoes periphery –
Though nothing but a waning strand
Has slipped from what we see.
Diminishment begins
In gentle increments
That teach us how to say “Good bye”
When darkness implements
A temporary loss –
A temporal farewell –
Until perimeter of Sun
Repairs the waxen shell.
(5 April 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
Friday, April 3, 2009
DAUGHTER
Thy Love hath made me Beautiful –
An ordinary Maid –
Extraordinary Equipage –
“Eternal Golden Braid” –
An unsuspected Entourage –
The Bearing of a Queen –
A Crown of Zion’s city walls –
A Loveliness Sistine.
(3 April 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
SISTER STARS
She has a bulb of many watts –
Omega-byte hard drive –
What if hope drove her – not shadow?
What poems would then arrive?
She has a comprehensive eye –
A quintessential ear –
What if noon moved her – not midnight?
What power would appear!
(3 April 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
BROTHER MARS (To J.K.H.)
He has a forty-carat brain –
A million dollar mind –
What if light passed through – not darkness?
What wonders would he find?
He has a universal heart –
A conscientious core –
What if love passed through – not distance?
What beauty to explore!
(2 April 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
PLAN OF HAPPINESS (for SJH)
We lived before we came to Earth –
They had a preface there –
They taught us how to choose the right
Through wisdom, virtue, prayer.
We chose to test experience
By coming to this life.
Our vehicle: an Ark of joy
In spite of storms and strife.
The Dove holds out our destiny:
A branch of olive peace.
If we reach for that promised state
Our freedom will increase.
(2 April 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
AWESTRUCK (to Diana and Ashley)
Treat every day as pilgrimage –
Be tourist in This land
As if the common place were new –
As if the plain were grand.
Greet every word as foreign phrase –
Search etymology
As if the language were a guest –
Give hospitality.
Meet every one as Deity –
Show honor to the small
As if the humble soul were God –
As if the child were all.
(31 March 2009, BYU, Provo, Utah)
POEM xD (for Scott)
“What does the Lord say about me?”
He says that you are free
To choose prison or liberty –
Real joy or misery.
He says that you are infinite.
You have a destiny.
You have the power to change the world
With moral agency.
(31 March 2009, Provo, Utah)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
OF GOOD REPORT
Who wouldst Thou have me be, oh Lord?
Thy birth in Bethlehem
Has got me humming first noels
And skipping like a lamb.
What wouldst Thou have me do, my Lord?
Thy home in Nazareth
Reminds me to grow grace by grace,
To fear not even death.
Where wouldst Thou have me go, dear Lord?
Thy walk in Galilee
Has left me restless for Thy shores,
Thy blessed propinquity.
When wouldst Thou have me learn, dear Lord?
Thy days in Bethany
Tell me to seek a better part
In Thy proximity.
Why wouldst Thou salvage me, good Lord?
Thy sharp Gethsemane
Seems hard until I see the pain
Transformed to victory.
How wouldst Thou have me help, kind Lord?
The path to Jericho
Requires a good Samaritan
To ease a Neighbor’s woe.
(24 March 2009, Provo, Utah)
Monday, March 23, 2009
REMISSION
“Who dost thou say I am, Child?”
Thou art the Saving God –
Light of Lights – the Lamb of Lambs –
Whose feet with peace are shod.
“Who do I say thou art, Child?”
A Saint of Latter Day –
Sister – Daughter – Teacher – Friend –
Whose shoes will walk Thy Way.
“When will I see thy face, Child?”
In prayer both night and dawn –
At the Holy Place each week –
When I put Kindness on.
“When wilt thou see my face, Child?”
When I look up and live –
When I serve others as Thine own –
When I this song Thee give.
(23 March 2009, Provo, Utah)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
THE ROMAN PREFECT (To Elissa)
She pleaded with her husband: “Please,
Do not harm this Man.
I had a dream that He is just.
Release Him, if you can.”
He thought of her imploring, but
Accusers over-ruled.
So Pilate washed his hands of Right,
Admitting he was fooled.
“Behold the Man,” he jeopardized
As he gave mobs the choice,
Let their hostility prevail.
They crowded out his voice.
Ironic superscription sign
Proclaimed the coward news.
Greek, Latin, Hebrew read the line:
“This is the King of Jews.”
Though Pilate feigned to intervene,
The Christ was crucified.
But he conceded Truth to men:
An Innocent has died.
Beneath the politics, he knew
His governing was flawed.
His low Centurion confessed:
“This was the Son of God.”
(19 March 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
KING FOR A DAY
The hazing starts with rolling dice:
A prisoner is “king” –
The soldiers’ lot: to “serve” a lord –
The Lord is suffering.
The role reversal mocks the King –
The whole band takes a turn –
“Anointed” Him with “crown” of thorns:
His blood not their concern.
“Endowed” Him with a purple “robe”
As one by one they toss –
They “scepter” Him with filthy reed –
Make Simon bear His cross.
The round of torture’s wheel twists on –
The cohorts play their “game” –
They almost sense His dignity,
Sufficing in their shame.
The King of Kings will now be “throned”
In piercing infamy.
Forgive them for they did not know
They hung Eternity.
(17 March 2009, Antonia Fortress, Jerusalem, Israel)
IN GALLICANTU
“Put up thy sword,” the Lord had said
When Peter smote a guard.
To follow Him takes more than might.
The Discipline is hard.
Obedience, not sacrifice?
To live for Him, yet cry?
Excruciating subterfuge –
The bitter cock crows “Why?”
(19 March 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Monday, March 16, 2009
WEEPING FOR PETER
“Judge not, that ye be not judged”
Applies to Peter, too.
To die, or to deny the Christ?
The man had work to do.
The gentle Master told him that
The test would be extreme:
“You will not know me thrice by dawn
As bold as you may seem.”
What agony of loyalty,
To love but not to tell,
To go where danger fed the flames,
To choose an inner hell
And thus survive to testify
That He was God in deed,
To witness for the scattered sheep,
To heal, to seal, to bleed.
(16 March 2009, St. Peter in Gallicantu, Jerusalem, Israel)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
INCENSE PSALM
Is there any trace of Jesus
In this anxious ancient land?
A hair of head, or crust of bread?
A skin cell from His hand?
Is there any sign of Jesus
In this neighborhood of Job?
A footprint on a sandaled trail?
A tassel from His robe?
Is there any hint of Jesus
In the remnant of His seed?
A shepherd leading one lost lamb
To where the safe ones feed?
I thought I caught a glimpse of Him
In Shiloh's sacred space --
Where Rachael and her new children
Are putting stones in place.
(13 March 2009, Haon, Galilee, Israel)
SABBATH SUNSET
"What good can come from Nazareth?
So insignificant!
How could a Governor emerge
From such a settlement?"
"What King can rule from Bethlehem?
From such humility!
How could a man of modest means
Claim Principality?"
"What Lord can walk on Galilee
And vanquish surly winds?
What makes you think a carpenter
Can ransom us from sins?"
His greatness came from Elohim --
And Mary gave Him grace --
In scrolling coasts and fruitful hills
I sense His weathered face.
(13 March 2009, Haon, Galilee, Israel)
MOON SET
The Galilee is waking --
The Moon is veiled in dawn --
Her abalone fringes
Are putting ripples on.
The birds chime in as cantors --
A full-fledged gamelan --
Opalescent hosts of hope
Transverse the brave Golan.
(13 March 2009, Haon, Galilee, Israel)
SHILOH PSALM (for Rachael)
The incense of Priesthoods
Still sifts from the stones.
The cisterns are filling
With blessings – not bones.
A princess of Judah
Restores Ephraim.
The flaming Shechinah
Returns to redeem
The perfume of almonds –
The gold statice scent –
The Holy of Holies –
The veil that was rent.
She’s gathering pillars –
She’s teaching the scribes –
She’s reading the Torah –
She’s schooling the Tribes –
She’s stretching out curtains –
She’s strengthening stakes –
She’s laying foundations
For all of our sakes.
She’s fighting the envy –
Uprooting the pride.
She’s planting the garden
Where God will reside.
(12 March 2009, Shiloh, Ephraim, Israel)
VILLAGE PSALM
A moon of milk and honeycomb
Is setting over Galilee --
The hidden sun is scaling heights --
Revealing its identity.
The morning birds anticipate
A day of pilgrimage --
Across the water dawning marks
Apocalyptic images.
(12 March 2009, Haon, Galillee, Israel)
ALL THY MIND
Full moon is out in Galilee --
North Star -- above the sea --
The gentleness of vesper waves
Is pacifying me.
The frogs are bleating like lost sheep
Who know they will be found --
The lights of cities on a hill
Rejoice without a sound.
Tiberias is vigilant
Across the western shore --
The Golan Heights insomnious --
Retreating from the war.
(11 March 2009, Haon, Galillee, Israel)
Friday, March 6, 2009
SHABBAT SHALOM
Do birds sing in Jersalem?
Do stars shine as in old?
Which steps lead to the Olive Mount --
To stories that were told?
Can Peace come to this place again?
Can good will reign on Earth?
Can deserts blossom like a rose
Because of one Child's birth?
The wedding dancers wend to bed --
The Christian pilgrims dream
That every step toward peace they take
Makes Stars of David gleam.
Today the birds awoke at four --
The Holy City slept --
Three waves of prayer preceded dawn --
The first Shabbat was kept.
(7 March 2009, Christmas Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
CHRISTMAS RESEARCH (for Margaret Baker)
To sing is not to sin –
The glory has a skin
That covers flesh with luminence
And clothes the voice within –
(January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
RESOLUTIONS, 2009
Out of bed first, on my knees –
Book of Mormon, one verse please –
Seek the Savior, find His way –
Write one letter every day –
Make poems daily – walk a mile –
Index records – give a smile –
Eating healthy – sleep eight hours –
Fix the garden, plant some flowers –
Temple weekly – EDL –
Finish Webster – Do work well –
Love my neighbors, greet by name –
Count my blessings, Grateful-Game –
Laugh more often – let things go –
Teach the students, help them grow –
Boldness, yes, not overbear –
Bridle passions – serve, prepare –
Never idle – always pure –
Seek forgiveness – still endure –
Cherish virtue – walk in light –
Help my family, choose the right –
Thinking clearly, sunny side –
Keep it simple – forsake pride –
Honor family – treasure souls –
Daily planning – write down goals.
(2 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Book of Mormon, one verse please –
Seek the Savior, find His way –
Write one letter every day –
Make poems daily – walk a mile –
Index records – give a smile –
Eating healthy – sleep eight hours –
Fix the garden, plant some flowers –
Temple weekly – EDL –
Finish Webster – Do work well –
Love my neighbors, greet by name –
Count my blessings, Grateful-Game –
Laugh more often – let things go –
Teach the students, help them grow –
Boldness, yes, not overbear –
Bridle passions – serve, prepare –
Never idle – always pure –
Seek forgiveness – still endure –
Cherish virtue – walk in light –
Help my family, choose the right –
Thinking clearly, sunny side –
Keep it simple – forsake pride –
Honor family – treasure souls –
Daily planning – write down goals.
(2 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
CALLING
“Why, why hast Thou forsaken me?”
Was not an idle cry.
When Father turned His face away,
His Son yearned to know why.
“Why, why dost Thou abandon me?
Did my attempt displease?
Was it this? Was it that? Is there
No way to now appease?
How have I disappointed Thee?
How did my mission fail?”
All of the dread that humans feel
Became a twisting flail.
His distance from Father’s presence
For a moment was more than ours,
But then He ran to succor us
In all the utmost hours.
(13 December 2008, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
PREPARATION
How do I follow thee, Savior?
How do I find the Way?
How does my will change to Thy Will
In all I do and say?
Please, may my prayers be not in vain.
I’ll do better next time.
O please – mend the wall in my heart.
Heal the words in my mind.
Father, have I forsaken Thee?
The tendency is sly.
Before I know, my focus roves
And blindness films my eye.
Love, Thy Glory – Thy glory, Love.
After the moon goes down –
Time, the Seer – the seer, time –
A glow consoles our town.
(13 December 2008; Phoenix, Arizona - Pleasant Grove, Utah)
REQUITED
The Word I chose, chose me – I’m told.
He first loved us – they say.
The road I took takes me to Life –
To Him: the Truth, the Way.
The One I seek, seeks me – it’s said.
He first sought us – they tell.
The door I knock upon is His –
He comes to where I dwell.
(23 February 2009, Pleasant Grove)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
“WRINKLES IN TIME”
My spirit blooms – my body fades –
This is no time for masquerades –
Cosmetic youth is useless now –
But inner strength augments somehow.
My shoulders bend – my courage grows –
This is no time for stiff repose –
Poetic voice is vibrant here –
I have to be a pioneer.
The pace is quick – response is slow –
There is so much I still don’t know –
The beauty that I long to be
Is coming out in spite of me –
The ageing mars – the laughter mends –
Both earth and heaven are my friends –
Prophetic truth is useful still
As I seek to obey Thy will.
(9 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Monday, February 9, 2009
SENSE AND RESPONSE
What happens when a candle burns?
Does wax turn into air?
What happens when a fire glows?
Does matter disappear?
Can voices translate into light?
Can sounds become a prayer?
What happens when we speak to Him?
What takes our message there?
When carbon burns, electrons move –
Wax makes new energies –
The fire makes cool matter hum –
Creates electric bees.
The hive turns sound to radiance –
With colored frequencies –
Our words pass through glass fiber cells
In honeyed melodies.
(8 & 12 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Friday, February 6, 2009
SESSION
Intelligence loves Truth and Light –
Virtue cleaves to Virtue –
Benevolence will choose the Right –
Mercy fosters Mercy.
The Pure in Heart seek Purity –
Wisdom perceives Wisdom –
The Just pursue compassion’s Claim –
Vision receives Vision.
(6 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
PRECOCIOUS
The daffodils are dancing up –
A January dare!
The deer turn up their nose at them –
The shoots don’t seem to care!
I worry if they rise too soon
Their trumpet gold will freeze –
They send out green notes anyway –
Their only aim to please.
(22 January 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
BIRD WORDS
The words are pouring out again –
I’m not sure how they come –
Awake, asleep, at dawn, at dusk –
They aren’t as shy as some.
They gently squeeze between the steps –
They dodge – they dart – they dare –
They have a keen intelligence –
They know when to beware.
They come and go in their due time –
And I just have to write –
Sometimes they stay with me all day –
But sometimes they take flight.
With sequin eyes – by window panes –
They sense me through the glass –
I try hard not to startle them –
They hide – they seek – they pass.
They do not ask for cleverness –
They do not covet power –
They flutter in and out at will
At any given hour.
They swoop – they rise – advance – retreat –
They give – they gain – they brood –
Their furtive gleaning lasts all day –
They thank me for the food.
I offer ordinary seed –
And sometimes I forget –
But they return – forgiving me –
They overlook the debt
As if they owed me providence!
Their generous reprieve
Is feeding me with confidence
To share and to receive.
(2 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
ALIJAH
He gathers all His children –
He numbers flocks and herds –
They know Him as their Shepherd –
He guides them with His words.
He will fulfill the promise –
Their long dispersion ends –
He brings in all the nations –
He counts us as His friends.
The gathering is literal –
The going home, concrete –
The call is individual –
The welcome is complete.
The promised land is visible –
The mountain is in sight –
The evidence, perpetual –
The proof is in delight.
(1 February 2009, Pleasant Grove, Utah)
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