My birthday is this month. I’ve never been one to dwell on (or act) my age, but since hitting my 50s there are ways my age is unavoidable: chronic aches (physically and emotionally), new (and unpleasant) routine medical procedures, and an awareness of how much is behind me (versus in front of me). Last weekContinue reading "Remember?"
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,Continue 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 asContinue 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 intoContinue 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 “emptyContinue 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 areContinue 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 hasContinue 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 ofContinue 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 mercyContinue 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 writeContinue reading "Widow’s Weeds – Joseph Powell"
A Wandering Minstrel 