Wednesday, November 13, 2013

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)