HOLY ENCOUNTER

"O Lord, you have seduced me,

and I was seduced."

(Jeremiah 20:7)

He briskly entered through a double door,
an imposing height softened by watery eyes
the result of the arctic chill. A Russian lambswool hat
added to the effect, set off by stark white hair
and a full white beard. My jaw slightly dropped
as I took full measure of his Biblical countenance.

Later, at dinner, I sneaked a peek or two,
noting that mere mortal food sated his appetite.
An easy manner with others brought a bright smile
to his face and a gentle laugh deep from his heart.
And so I knew with time I'd share some holy words.

We gathered in a sacred circle, men devoted to men,
committed to honest conversation and concern.

For a moment, I was unaware of his presence.
Softly, I felt his hands from behind upon my shoulders
and his face near my own right ear. Just as gently
I heard the words I'd longed for decades to hear,
"Son, take my hand. Let's go for a walk."

In an instant, warm healing began to spread within.
I slowly turned to face this ancient physician of the soul
who welcomed me with open arms. He firmly grasped
my head in one large hand and placed it on his chest.
With the other, he gathered me into the glory of his soul
where I rested, safely at home, for the first time in my life.

I am truly blessed. Amen.

JOURNEY

The death barque sits vigilant
on the shoreline, a holy vessel
beckoning me to a journey
through the sacred portal
between the land and siren sea.

Pray I may be anointed
by the living water, as I long
to be carried away upon the breath
of sacred silence to a land
where dreams fill the day.

Moving pictures with happy endings
play out over and over again,
while I'm held in the arms of loved ones
until I learn to walk again and
bow before the altar of eternal joy.

poem inspired by photograph taken by and used with permission of

Christine Valters Paintner of www.abbeyofthearts.com.

ALWAYS THERE

SUNRISE

Wisdom sat down next to me

to watch the frosty sunrise.

She wouldn't look at me

but instead stared straight ahead.

After a while, I relented

and watched the sunrise, too.

Then it became all clear to me

when I saw the reflection of Her face.

FOR VINCENT


Proof that grace can happen when pointing a camera out a car going 25 mph along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico...




...

HOLY GAZE

A small favor -
just let me sit
and gaze into your face forever.

Time no longer matters
nor food or breath
for I can live on starlight.

Look upon me,
your poor captive,
and bless me with your smile.

And I will be content
to bask in your grace
for eternity plus one day.

PRAYER OF UNITY
(inspired by Psalm 85:8 and Isaiah 58:11)

The God of warm places,
of sleek herons and skittering salamanders,
lumbering manatees and agile dolphins,
give me a quiet heart
that I might see and hear
what you will show and speak to me
when I turn to you in my heart.

Gentle eyes that seek your beauty
easily find deep truths
writ large by nature’s envoys
in your sanctuary.

Deep springs of clear water
nourish the souls of those who taste
art, truth and beauty
in a single, overflowing, eternal cup.

HIDDEN THINGS

“I will show you hidden things,
hidden things you have not known.” - Isaiah 48:6

At dawn a portal opens
revealing hidden things
to ancient eyes that wisely
choose to closely watch.

Nature dances in close step
and sings with perfect pitch
chords created before time
in simple harmony.

Wild geese on a northern wing
follow their true compass,
a map inscribed within their hearts
by One who calls them blessed.

Hidden things, freely given
revealed in simple ways
guide us on our pilgrim path
delivering us home.

(poem inspired by photograph taken by and used with permission of Christine Valters Paintner of www.abbeyofthearts.com -
Come join the Poetry Party every other Monday!)

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN...

WINTER PEACE

The snow has come.
I take a walk in the garden
and see how nature believes
her sweet dreams.