Stare

In the late 19th century, the Symbolist poets began a movement against naturalism and realism in writing. The Symbolists preferred the power of imagination, dreams, visions, and the like. I’ve never subscribed to any school of poetry. As a writer, my interests are too diverse. I like traditional and experimental forms; I’m a fan ofContinue reading "Stare"

The Selfie of Dorian Gray

The Selfie of Dorian GrayWhen they found him, they couldn’t believe it.He was slumped to one side, clutching a tablet.His last selfie, posted the day before,showed a slim man with smooth, clear skin.The caption read, “Lost 20 pounds and never felt better!”A string of atta boy-s followed in the comments.The man in front of themContinue reading "The Selfie of Dorian Gray"

Your Old Men Will Dream Dreams

We are incurable night owls in my family. Still, even we can stay up TOO late sometimes and suffer sleepiness the next day. Today is that day for me. When deciding what to post today, all I could think of was that I felt tired, which reminded me of a poem I wrote recently: “YourContinue reading "Your Old Men Will Dream Dreams"

PAWS 4

It’s been awhile since I posted a cat poem. And we know what happens if cats don’t feel appreciated (or at least we can imagine…). So, as an offering to their vanity, I give you PAWS 4, which appeared in my chapbook Cat Show and my newest book The Anonymity of Waiting. PAWS 4Sometimes,all youContinue reading "PAWS 4"

Grief Is

Grief is familiar to any of us who have been around for more than five minutes. But it is also one of the most complex things we experience. The many variables involved make it so: different causes, personalities, social norms, religious (or non-religious) beliefs, the time of day, and what you had for lunch canContinue reading "Grief Is"

Tuba Mirum (Wonderful Trumpet)

“Christ is risen!” “He is risen indeed!” This exchange is traditionally heard between Christians of all stripes on Easter. Later this year, I plan to self-publish Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. This book will include a series of poems based on Mozart’s Requiem Mass. Requiem masses are Catholic funeral services and include themesContinue reading "Tuba Mirum (Wonderful Trumpet)"

Death, be not proud

With Easter approaching, the Christian hope of resurrection is on my mind. This means poems about resurrection are also on my mind. John Donne’s poem, “Death, be not proud” is a favorite sonnet of mine in which he tells death, “You ain’t all that.” After comparing death to sleep and other temporary forms of drowsiness,Continue reading "Death, be not proud"

The Wound

“The Wound” is a poetic retrospective of coming to know God from my third book, Shadow and Memory. It will also be in an upcoming book, Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. Voiceless Choirs is a collection of new and previously published poems that center on Christian spirituality. Right now, I am working withContinue reading "The Wound"

Maple Seed

Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a man who scattered seed (Matt. 13:3-9). It is a marvelous parable showing that things of God are tossed out there with no guarantee that anything will take root. But the one who sows seed in the parable does it in hope that some things will spring upContinue reading "Maple Seed"

Empty Hands

Well, this post could be entitled “Empty Head” because I forgot to post this morning as usual 😆 I am also posting from my phone as our power is out (wifi is down!) Oh well. Below is a selection from my newest book, The Anonymity of Waiting. It is a meditation on change and lossContinue reading "Empty Hands"