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 upContinueContinue reading “Maple Seed”
Category Archives: Modern poetry
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 lossContinueContinue reading “Empty Hands”
Self-Portrait
Many painters have done self-portraits. The one that immediately comes to mind is “Self portrait with Bandaged Ear” by Van Gogh. I’m not sure if any poets have written self-portraits or cut off any body parts. None come to mind 🤔, but share in the chat if you’ve heard of any. While working on TheContinueContinue reading “Self-Portrait”
The Muses Are on Strike
Writer’s block or creative lulls (whatever you want to call them) are often a source of inspiration for me. I’m actually compiling a chapbook containing all my writer’s block poems. I’m a third of the way there. Just a few weeks ago the creative juices were frozen (it is winter, after all), and it poppedContinueContinue reading “The Muses Are on Strike”
Underground
Today’s poem, “Underground”, is from my latest book, The Anonymity of Waiting. I wasn’t sure what I thought of this poem when I finished it or if I accomplished what I originally intended. However (odd as it may sound), it has grown on me and become a favorite. Sometimes you just need to give yourContinueContinue reading “Underground”
The Heretic
In my last two posts, I shared poems from my first and second books, so I thought I’d keep going and share a poem from my third book, Shadow and Memory. Today’s poem is called “The Heretic,” and I’ve been thinking about it because I’m reading Early Christian Doctrines by JND Kelly. If you’re interestedContinueContinue reading “The Heretic”
The Verge
Since I posted a poem from my first book last week, I thought I’d post something from my second book (Event Horizon) this week. “The Verge” is a poem I’ve always liked. The ending surprised even me. I remember being outside one winter, trying to articulate the sensation of standing in the quiet of fallingContinueContinue reading “The Verge”
Godd O’ballD
Today’s poem goes way back to my first book, The Wind and the Shadows, which I self-published in 2020. It is a whimsically serious theological reflection. (If that confused you, wait until you read the poem 😆). Spirituality is not ultimately about a belief system (though that is part of it). God is a person;ContinueContinue reading “Godd O’ballD”
Pablo Neruda: Sonnet XVII
Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet who died in 1973. I became acquainted with his poetry through James Wright, who translated some of Neruda’s poems for his book, Collected Poems. Neruda’s surprising, sometimes surreal imagery resonated in my imagination so I picked up The Essential Neruda sometime last year. Reading Neruda was an experience. HisContinueContinue reading “Pablo Neruda: Sonnet XVII”
The Snowflake and the Butter Dish
Today’s post is a little late. I’ve been sick and living with brain fog and low energy. Our wintry weather made me think of a poem in my new book, The Anonymity of Waiting. It’s called, “The Snowflake and the Butter Dish.” Many of my poems grow out of mundane moments. Life is intrinsically metaphoric.ContinueContinue reading “The Snowflake and the Butter Dish”
A Wandering Minstrel 