mrteague

Old Glory

July fourth, Independence Day, memorializes the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This document formally announced The United States’ separation from England and outlined the reasons for the separation. Americans consider July fourth our country’s birthday, and this year we are 250 years old. Happy Birthday, USA! Below is a poem from my first book,ContinueContinue reading “Old Glory”

Spelt from Sibyl’s Leaves

There are many poets I love to read. But a handful go further and inspire me to write. Gerard Manley Hopkins is one of these. I had read a some of his poems over the years, but decided to pick up a book of all his poems. My heart thrilled to so many things asContinueContinue reading “Spelt from Sibyl’s Leaves”

Light Conversation

This past week, my wife and I took a road trip to see the redwoods and to celebrate 27 years of marriage. It was a fantastic trip, full of gifts: we enjoyed each other, fresh seafood in coastal towns, and stunning ocean views. We saw redwoods in a couple locations; each was like stepping intoContinueContinue reading “Light Conversation”

Emptiest

In my last post, I talked about a poem I was working on that ended up being two poems. One poem was a tanka, a Japanese poetic form; the other is a poem I entitled “Emptiest”, whose form took shape as I wrote it. First, a couple stanzas naturally ended with “empty breast” and “emptyContinueContinue reading “Emptiest”

Silent Film

The writing process is a source of mystery. I’m constantly surprised by how inspiration comes, how ideas develop, and by the interplay of various elements: intuition, reason, structure, prayer, and serendipity. After years of trying my hand at creative pursuits, I feel more participant than master. To be sure, learning craft and improving skills areContinueContinue reading “Silent Film”

Anniversary Card

Days ago, my wife Carrie and I celebrated our 27th anniversary. We spent the day together, not doing anything mind-blowing, just enjoying each other’s company. As we were driving, Carrie talked about the excitement and energy of our marriage’s beginning versus the quieter sweetness we enjoy now. We agreed every phase of our marriage hasContinueContinue reading “Anniversary Card”

Tablet

“Moses Breaks the Tablets of the Law” by Gustav Dore Today is Pentecost Sunday, when Christians remember the giving of the Holy Spirit. “Pentecost” means “Fifty,” and occurs 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead. On Pentecost, the fullness of the Spirit was poured out on Jesus to signify His anointing as King ofContinueContinue reading “Tablet”

Kyrie

from The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson Today’s poem is from a series of poems based on the text of Mozart’s Requiem Mass. The Kyrie is the second section of the mass and has a brief text: Kyrie eleison / Lord, have mercyChriste eleison / Christ, have mercyKyrie eleison / Lord, have mercyContinueContinue reading “Kyrie”

Widow’s Weeds – Joseph Powell

For Mother’s Day, I’d like to post a poem about a mother by Dr. Joseph Powell. Dr. Powell is an emeritus professor of English at Central Washington University. When I attended CWU 20+ years ago, I took one of Dr. Powell’s poetry courses. His class continues to shape the way I think about and writeContinueContinue reading “Widow’s Weeds – Joseph Powell”

Warmth

When I began reading scripture (many years ago now), I was surprised to find real people in every book of the Bible. I think I expected stodgy folks who were (mostly) perfect and had an answer for everything (or at least pretended they did). Instead, I found self-doubters, whiners, and weaklings; people soaring to giddyContinueContinue reading “Warmth”