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)

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)

QUEST

Am I redeemable, my Lord?
What hope is there for one like me:
Still lacking love, in thought, in word;
Still short of what a Saint should be?

(August 14, 2008, Pleasant Grove)

THE REST OF MY LIFE

My new job is to sleep enough,
To keep quiet for eight hours,
To shower my mind clean from grime,
To free my soul from useless stress,
To bless my brain and calm my heart,
To start afresh when morning shines,
To line my thoughts with books of dreams,
To stream my work and words anew.

(31 July 2008, Stone House Cottage, Amherst, Massachusetts)