Torches

As we speak, the last (I hope) proof copy of my new book is in the mail: Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. I am looking forward to this book. Completing it took more hard work than I can put into words, but it took even more grace. Many of the poems only survivedContinueContinue reading “Torches”

Shock

One day, I had a serious thought. But for some reason, I processed this serious thought using playful variations of familiar phrases. Somehow, out of that mess, today’s poem was born. I’ve written poetry and music for about 35 years. But at the end of the day, the creative process is a mystery to me.ContinueContinue reading “Shock”

Cat with a Mona Lisa Smile

Usually, I post Sunday morning but at 9:00 tonight I realized I forgot! Monday morning will have to do, I suppose. I was going to blame being tired because my cats woke me up at 5:30 this morning. Then I remembered I usually write my posts on Saturday and schedule them to post on Sunday.ContinueContinue reading “Cat with a Mona Lisa Smile”

Doing Nothing

I can be…driven, goal-oriented. I am usually working on something and have very little idle time. But today, I feel a little lazy. Granted, it’s the weekend, and by 2:15 Saturday afternoon (when I am writing this), I’ve already worked on a poem, attended two ministry-related meetings, and mowed both my lawns. So maybe I’mContinueContinue reading “Doing Nothing”

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

Digital Painting by Patrick Murphy My upcoming book, Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, is getting closer to being finished. Next step is to get a proof-copy of the paperback. I also need to set up the e-book version. One section of Voiceless Choirs contains poems based on traditional Christian hymns. Rather than justContinueContinue reading “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”

Skin

Painting by Gustave Dore: “Adam and Eve Driven out of Eden” Christians believe that, originally, people lived in harmony with God, each other, and creation. Then came “The Fall.” Basically, the first people (Adam and Eve) ignored what God said and went their own way; they ate from the tree of knowing good and evil.ContinueContinue reading “Skin”

Psalm 102

In July or August I plan to self-publish my next book, Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. I have looked forward to printing this book. Writing the poems in this collection challenged me more than almost anything else I’ve written; I also feel that some of them represent my best work. Today’s poem isContinueContinue reading “Psalm 102”

Resurrection

In the next few months, I hope to self-publish my next book, Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. Every book I’ve put out is important to me since it represents a season of writing; each contains poems I’ve labored and agonized over, some of which I particularly love. But the poems in Voiceless ChoirsContinueContinue reading “Resurrection”

This Box of Old Things

Photo from YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado As I write this, I am in Estes Park, Colorado. My son does online school through Wilson Hill Academy. My daughter also attended Wilson Hill. Over the years, we have enjoyed the Christ-centered focus, the loving culture, and the depth of education Wilson Hill offers. EachContinueContinue reading “This Box of Old Things”

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 ofContinueContinue reading “Stare”