the sky is grey today
low and still
and vast
I’d prefer a rolling storm
intense
with thunder and wind
that vibrate the earth
and crack trees
so I could hear power
and see movement
so I could feel change
and have evidence
instead
the grey is hard pavement
above me
the stillness makes me groan
where is the fire?
where is the light?
Zion’s roads are broad
and tiled with clear sapphires
lit with burning bush…
all I have are table lamps
I turn them on
midday
since sun remains unseen
but I know it’s there
the sun
higher and greater
than the ash hood
and my groaning is enough
and my lamp
and my knowing
grey’s edge is up ahead

Faith points us beyond our problems to the hope we have in Christ. – Billy Graham

The hope that God has provided for you is not merely a wish. Neither is it dependent on other people, possessions, or circumstances for its validity. Instead, biblical hope is an application of your faith that supplies a confident expectation in God’s fulfillment of His promises. – John C Broger

Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand. – Thomas Aquinas

image: Lamp by Susie Anderson

approval washes over me and I
put down my needless empty leaden pack
a taxing budless bale of useless weight
a fraud I sometimes carry on my back
it’s barren branches break beneath my feet
as swiftly I advance to higher field
and I am light and quick, and gladness fueled
as favor and the altitude reveals
a crystal view atop a holy hill
the landscape stretched for me to clearly know
that every hair upon my head is dear
and counted by my Lord who loves me so

Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  Matthew 10:31

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Hebrews 12:1

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

image: “like the dream, but it’s real” by Susie Anderson

beneath the boughs
of apple trees
the blooms fall gently there
while cocoa shells
and lilac branch
sweetly steep the air

bleeding hearts
spill thru the shade
on sidewalk, sunlit speckled
the sight and scents
renew the mind
with blade and leaf and petal

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:2

Image: watercolor by Diane Moser

a clear and shiny plastic cup
sits upon my countertop
full of dirt and secret seed
I cannot say what bloom will be
and also worms reside in jars
with lid holes poked like pin size stars
on tables meant for mug and book
that now embrace an earthy look
muddy shoes and upturned pails
line the porch in aimless trails
and fingerprints on windows smudge
some snot, some blood, a spot of fudge
outside again has just begun
its not yet June’s first summer’s sun
already grass has stained each knee
a spring green stamp as entry fee
to prime exploring and fertile play
and sweet free hours to spend our way

As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. Luke 21:30

This is what the Lord God showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit. Amos 8:1

image: watercolor by Louise van Terheijden

in the cool of the day
the task is complete
and study can soak
and labor retreat
in the cool of the day
a clip slows to stroll
and hurry is calmed
and parts become whole
in the cool of the day
reflection is met
as sun speckles path
and souls are reset
in the cool of the day
an ease can descend
as pain’s put aside
and wounds at last mend
in the cool of the day
the garden delights
in the shade and low rays
and the finishing light
for tomorrow will bid
it’s own effort and weave
yet too the cool hours
will come to relieve

Genesis 3:8a, Song of Solomon 2:17a

image: Late Afternoon by Marlene Lowden

partner my love
with me, on this vine
tied with ribbons
of light
I will grow with you
what will bear
and steady you
when we’re pruned
sometimes in the dark
and when the new crop yields
in the morning
our ribbons will hold
and hammock such harvest
the very horizon will bend

John 15:5

image: Vineyard in the Sun by Banja Luka

I will walk
the walls and fences
once and five more times
and seven times again
and shout
unseeing, but walking still
expectant of tumbling stone
and victory
and when the walls are ruins
the fences mangled mesh
I will share your win
for my part
the city, your gift to me
and then inside again
abide
and walk I will
by your command
and for my brothers
each evening
and every morning

You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.  Deuteronomy 5:33

image: Medieval Walled City, painting by Micko-Vic

high haze is right
on Monday’s run
a wide white sky
an almost sun
and I receive
a promise there
a gliding calm
in quiet air
the climate moves
despite the cool
the water breaks
and puddles pool
a chickadee
calls out from limb
a hint of coming
sweeter hymns

play me:

image: painting by Kazuya Akimoto

my voice is thin
as we begin
a lowland road
and where it goes
I cannot see
not plot or thee
and why you have allowed this

my legs are lead
though up ahead
a promise song
cannot be long
away, my chest
is tight and pressed
the changing ground exhausts me

what now, my lord
have you in store
to teach this marrow
expand what’s narrow
this plight redeem
and sew the seams
in golden thread and stitches

the weather shifts
and sundry gifts
one cannot chart
in chambered hearts
wash over me
and strange relief
climbs nigh above horizon

perceiving you
is balm, and through
the valley rough
I have enough
to seek the bloom
that’s yet to loom
and onward go ’til morning.

image:painting by Zlatko Music

maybe I migrate
and resettle my flock
alight on the crest
of a new sparkly spot
maybe I move
to an island divine
that’s loved more than most
by the stars and sunshine
maybe I drift
on a river’s raft, free
and spend my days thinking
up quips well at ease
maybe I trek
or wander or leave
with dreams undone left
in the dust behind me
maybe I transit
to this orb’s very lip
I could hop it by bus
or by train or by ship
and if I’m delayed
or my flights are all booked
maybe I’ll see
the Creator’s input
for His peerless plans
do move, and do shift
and my courage will rise
to make good on His gift
that content I could be
in the place He designs
for His destination
transcends all of mine

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13

image: Stars by Mayfield Parrish, 1926

Some writings are tough. This was one. I’m not sure it’s finished yet, but felt it was ready to share.  Thanks especially to M, B, B & S – This poem is much improved due to your feedback.