Saturday, November 27, 2010

Advent vigil

He came to us
not in splendor
but in humility,
for we are all humble.

He came to us
not in raging wrath
but weak as a babe,
for we are all weak.

He came to us
not in blinding light
but when darkness was deepest,
for we live in darkness.

Jesus, our Lord,
Come in splendor.
Come in justice.
Come in glory.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Advent approaches

Behold, a voice calling.
His words climb the hillsides,
echo in the valleys.
Repent, cleanse your hearts.

Behold, a voice will call
one day from heaven's door
announcing the last Advent,
the fiery day of the Lord.

Listen, angels are singing.
This is the time between.
Grace flows from a baby's smile.
Go while you can and worship.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Lover of my soul

Lovers are never apart.
Their souls are ever watching,
Aware of their beloved.
Beside each other hand in hand
Or a thousand miles away,
they remain together,
united in love.

You and I are never apart.
For you are ever watching,
Who are named Faithful and True.
When I stumble your hand
holds me with a lover's care.
You keep us together
united in love.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Fall

The fall

Humiliated
I double over, stabbed
by sin's sharp blade.
Where can I hide
my shameful wound?
Let the earth swallow me.
Let the mountains fall
and bury me in rubble.

Humble
the Lord stoops down
lower than I can ever fall.
With wounded hands 
He lifts me out of the dust,
Sets me upright once more.
I am enfolded in the arms
of everlasting mercy. 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Eucharistic adoration

- Monday, November 8, 2010 11:21 AM
In Eucharistic procession

When you are uplifted
Above your people
All eyes turn to you.

Our hands reach out to you
yearning to touch our Lord
In His sacred presence.

The priest processes by us.
For a stunning moment
I know you are passing.

I feel the wind blowing,
the spirit pouring out
your gifts to your people.

How majestic, O Lord
is your tender mercy
To those who trust in you.

From heaven you come down
to walk among your flock
bestowing your blessing.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Housekeeping

Just a word of explanation about the recent lull. Life got busy, plus my laptop died. Life is still busy -- whose isn't -- but the laptop has been replaced with an iPad.

Many thanks to those who have continued to drop by. I like to let my poetry speak for itself, but I deeply appreciate the comments.

My recent poem, It's Love, is inspired by a courageous mother and child battling cancer. In your mercy, pray for them.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

It's love

In the hospital lights burn,
driving away the night.
A mother kneels exhausted
at her child's bedside
and bows her head in prayer.

It's love that gets us through the night.


In the garden
the son of God falls
to the ground arms outstretched,
pleading with his Father,
"Thy will be done."


It's love that gets us through the night.

Her child is dying.
Darkness has entered her soul,
hard as nails, sharp as a spear.
She cannot breathe.
Why has God forsaken her?

It's love that gets us through the night.

On the cross
Jesus bows his head, exhausted.
Darkness assails his soul.
He cannot breathe, yet he calls out,
praying to his Father.


It's love that gets us through the night.

In the depths of black despair,
hear the echo of his prayer,
"Father, into your hands ..."

It's love that gets us through the night.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Waiting

Around the world
the people of God kneel.

They bend like ripe wheat
to the wind of the spirit.

From east to west
the cry rises to heaven:
Christ has died, Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.

Bend down your ear and listen--
Lord, how much longer?
The fields slumber under the sun
awaiting the trumpet blast.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

All soul's day

Christ our light!

we come to your altar,
Each holding a candle,
Sheltering the fragile flame,
The tiny spark of light
Recalls our loss --and hope.

Christ our light!

Loving hands set them down
--bright beacons on each step--
Rest here before the Lord
While mass is said for you,
Rest here and receive grace.

Christ our light!

When we eat this bread and
Drink this wine, we proclaim ...
The wonder of His gift,
That we are joined to Him
And you are joined to Him.

Christ our light!

Shine on then, departed.
When Christ the dayspring dawns,
Your bright beauty returns
And we can once more smile
In that unending morn.

Christ our light!