Poems for Brother Todd Christensen and Family

            “COME FORTH” (John 11:43)

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)

            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)

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)