from place to place I move my things
door to door I bear and bring
mementos, dishes, toys and bins
ceramic, glassware, plastic, tin
pictures hung in these new rooms
traveled too from former views
and all possessions loved and liked
or merely useful now or might
be later came with me and mine
and now we’re here for unknown time
surrounded by these things we brought
ferried, carried, corner fought
I wonder so the cost of stuff
and if belongings mean enough
to me or can I let more go
and lighter be to ebb and flow

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6

There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. Proverbs 11:24

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

images: left to right, paintings by Isabella El-Hasan, Nathan Abels, John Falter, and Kenneth Koskela