Difference between revisions of "Challenge: Daily Poetry 2018"

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((haiku for rain))
(pot of gold (poem))
Line 2,997: Line 2,997:
 
I'm covered in blessings<br>
 
I'm covered in blessings<br>
 
and showered in grace
 
and showered in grace
 +
 +
=== 5/16/18 ===
 +
 +
==== [[like the little birds (poem)]] ====
 +
 +
change is like the little birds<br>
 +
breezing in and breezing out<br>
 +
bringing songs and sweetest sounds<br>
 +
but also defiling the patio
  
 
=== 5/17/18 ===
 
=== 5/17/18 ===

Revision as of 20:06, 20 May 2018


Contents

January 2018

1/2/18

Brand New Year (poem)

Good morning to a brand new year
Welcome hope and let go fear
'Round and 'round the bend we go
Anticipating the unknown

rather burn (poem)

burning air within my heart
a fire breathing all my air
eating all my oxygen
whenever you are near
the flames are hot, and I can't bear
to let you go, I hold you near
I'd rather hold you than to breathe
rather burn than ever leave

tiptoes (poem)

dancing on my tiptoes
to the edge of some horizon
spilling into heaven
imagination's flight

sweet things (poem)

don't cry
there are still sweet things
summer kisses
from a child's lips
not ignorance, love
but innocent bliss

1/4/18

beating heart (poem)

wings beat blindly
under my skin
where my rib cage captures
their soaring within
don't let me fly
away from your heart
you gave it to me
it bleeds in the dark

dear (poem)

Your voice is the music my heart
can no longer hear,
though I heard that the songbirds paused
to give you their ear,
and I know that I promised once
I would hold you near—
I tried, my brother, I tried
and still hold you dear.

1/6/18

pass the pain (poem)

pass the pain from my soul
like rocks in the river water, harsh and white
through narrow canyon walls
too high to climb

1/7/18

dark like pain (poem)

For D. and C.

red like fire
dark like pain
I don't forget
but speak your name
softest whisper
nightmare bright
I'd give much
for you in sight
you don't forget
I left you first
when you leave me
so do your worst

1/9/18

your light (poem)

For D. and C.

red
is the color of your light
bright
is how you rise and fight
void
is a desired sight
more
than your brilliant flight

1/10/18

like rain (poem)

For D. and C.

wanting you
blossoms in my chest like pain
falls on me like rain

radiate (poem)

For D. and C.

you are burned
under my skin
like a tattoo on my wrist
the band
is bright and fierce
it catches eyes
they glance again
they turn away
unable to bear
the light, the heat
you radiate
I bask in the sun
you are to me
burning bright
flaming beneath
the flesh
that covers my heart

kings (poem)

We were once the kings
Of our own world
Imagination bowed
Before our wills
Sparking fire and light
Our minds brought forth
All that we would claim
As we grew strong

1/11/18

light in my veins (poem)

open roads
light in my veins
breathe you in
memory strains
faults in the earth
wind woven clouds
sparks in my heart
unspoken aloud

1/12/18

as gravity (poem)

as the fire is warm
as the ocean is deep
as its churn and its cold
through trenches too steep
I can't breathe in the ice
in the fog of my breath
in the steam of your touch
awake me from death
as the gravity dark
starts crushing my heart
I fall into you
let the universe start

escape (poem)

Words do not escape my brain
You blame me for it, and I say
Less and less; the years roll on
Swallow whispers, then they're gone

1/14/18

To Conquer Fear (poem)

This is the year to conquer fear
To face the light with steady sight
To year and desire with burning fire
To stake firm claim upon your name
To hold to hope like knot to a rope
To rise in song, so bold, so strong


1/15/18

Into Brightness (poem)

I will find peace in forgiveness
My tears fall into the sea
The heavens are painted with mercy
New sunlight burning in me
I stare into brightness, unmoving
Walk forward in certainty

miss the way (poem)

I miss the way the leaves blew
Before the wintry winds
Before the snow came early
To bury everything
I miss the summer burning
And miss the snow so white
I miss the crickets singing
Every single night

in castles (poem)

we lived in castles spun from dreams
but never went to the extremes
tasted vict'ry on our lips
drank adventure in small sips
swallowed sunlight 'til we blazed
gazed with wonder, awed, amazed

tickles (poem)

For D. and C.

It tickles my lips
It burns my tongue
An insult for
Each day we're young
You hate my taste
I hate your jokes
You turn the wheel
I am the spokes
It burns inside
My flesh, my gut
The tie between us
We don't know what
We walk away
And leave behind
Yet together
Again we'll find
The world spins us
Forever nearer
And never allows
Another quite dearer
It tickles my insides
The anger you light
In my heart, in my mind
When you're in my sight

Tell Me (poem)

Tell me you know my name
That my life breathes in your breath
You whisper upon your lips
I am not alone
Tell me you'll hold me
When the sunset lingers
With faithful fingers
Tell me you won't walk away
Just stay for one more day

1/16/18

after the fire (poem)

Mornings wake my heart anew
Open places once seared through
I welcome all the burning pain
As spring and life return again

wish you (poem)

kiss you like I mean it
hold you like I need it
wish you'd know I'd never leave
hold me back this once, please

partners (poem)

For D. and C.

it's in my blood,
the way you itch beneath my skin
the taste of my knives, sliding within
the trust, my life held in your hands
wherever one is, the other one stands

1/17/18

pictures (poem)

For D. and C.

pictures of you
on the wall of my dreams
I've forgotten on purpose
it's not what it seems
your absence a pain
I lost on the way
surely you didn't
abandon and stray

foundations (poem)

there are bones under the earth
longer than a man and heavier
there are names written in marrow
that no one can speak, only feel
my heart beats like the core
of a planet turning in space
I raise my hopes and the bones
rise into spires again

1/18/18

morning song (poem)

There are roses in the garden
There's a song upon my tongue
It rises every morning
When the day is young
There's love within my heart
Beating vibrantly
I offer it to Jesus
Who first gave it to me

1/19/18

You Knew (poem)

For F. and Y.

I figured you out
You knew my name
Breath on your lips
My invisible fame
Though every star
Shines bright in the sky
I am content
To shine in your eye

never the pieces (poem)

what I want
is never the pieces of you
I cradle them, shattered
who did this to you
I will hold you forever
make glue with my love
rebuild in my heart
send you forth like a dove

give you (poem)

love me in pieces
I hold out to you
I'd give you everything
you know that it's true
if all of me still
was where it belonged
but I give you my pieces
and so give you all

1/21/18

no broken pieces (poem)

I am a lot of things
no broken pieces
breaking skin, like white
pieces of bone
I am bright, the lights
burn through my skin
warm yourself by fire
place hands within
I am not a hopeless night
I am the candle
burning prayers like incense
can you handle
the endless murmured prayers
of open memories
like open wounds, the gasps
like open stares
I am a lot of things
those broken pieces
gilded with gold, with light
stronger than stone
I do not break, I bend
like reeds in the wind
like hope in the hand of Spirit
I'll last 'til the light

1/22/18

thankful (poem)

morning light emerges from a shining newborn sun
open up your eyes and open up to everyone
pour out perfect love and be thankful for a day
when we are alive and walking forward on our way

under the wings (poem)

keep me safe, I used to pray
I trust in You now every day
and never doubt but walk in faith
I'm safe with You and with You stay

1/23/18

Through Battles (poem)

For C. and R.

Words we never spoke
But always needed to
Promises we broke
While keeping them all through
Battles fierce and nights
Dark with memory
I hold you in my sights
You mean so much to me

the distance (poem)

you promised not to leave me
why are you not here?
you're standing right beside me
but you do not see nor hear
your heart is far away
the distance very clear
I miss you while you're with me
come back to me, my dear

my moment (poem)

Today, I am quiet as a whisper
I missed my moment, I miss my strength
I know how to go to any length
But my limbs keep trembling, and I am quiet
Silence is a comfortable place
Warm around me, forgotten grace
The moment passes, the heart beats on
Silent tears, please tell what's wrong
Spinning years, the sands fall by
In the midst of glass before my eye
Don't press too hard, don't cut too deep
I left my hope in hours of sleep
Today, I am quiet, today again
Once long ago, I knew how to win
The road ahead still lifts my head
I'll think of light, not fall instead

warm as (poem)

leaves fall
to the ground
their colors
are bright and
warm as a promise
then snow

scars (poem)

For R. and C.

burn scars on your shoulders
blade scars on your wrist
I kiss them and you shudder
you give me even this

1/24/18

feel (poem)

For R. and C.

moon bright
over the flowers
nodding their heads
fall down to sleep
my eyes are shut
but I can feel
the warmth of you
your arms 'round me

never kept (poem)

For D. and C.

promises, promises
never kept
old bloody love
awoke then slept
opened doors
since slammed shut
words once gentle
wound and cut
like candles burning
then burned out
the wax is cooling
and I'm without

thirst to shatter (poem)

For R.

want burns in my bones
desire I cannot slake
thirst to shatter and break
break me over your hands
spill out the fire inside
enter my heart and hide

1/25/18

Prayer 042 (poem)

ah, You've brought the morning
a gift so shining bright
brought me brand new mercies
and peace with morning light
God, my King, my Father
I praise You in your might
grant me joy and strength
turn my faith to sight

the summoning (poem)

call my name
summon me from the depths
make your claim
call to me from the breadth
of the ocean tides
and the heavens wide
open your arms
and call my name

flight (poem)

walk me down to the water
where the white birds spread their wings
feathers glow in sunlight
yet they do not sing
they glide over the water
I wonder if it stings
and wait to see them rising
as they beat bright wings

bloody (poem)

For D. and C.

Children, someone calls us
What a lie, a filthy lie
The doors of life were opened
And the doors to death stood by
We've bloodied hands and bruises
And we were not taught to cry
Children, someone calls us
Such a bloody, messy lie

ends (poem)

pretty things, winter winds
this is where the end begins
mornings bright, newborn light
dawn, the new beginning, ends

1/26/18

wait (poem)

hide me in the secret grove of my heart
where the wind blows still and soft
like a breath so faint across my cheek
like the warmth leftover from long-gone touch
like the memories I've almost forgot
there I will wait while the centuries pass
until you come again

like poisoned apples (poem)

For D. and C.

It's in my blood
Corruption
Like the taint of old
Wounds and promises, on your lips
Like poisoned apples
And on your kiss
I think I would remember this
If love were love
Or innocence

wash me (poem)

wash me clean
a flood so pure
the bones may gleam
the blood endure
my eyes are bright
reflecting light

the road (poem)

the road ahead has bends in it
because the straight true path
isn't where I thought it was
but hope's not in the past
it lives, it breathes, it paves the road
that takes me free and clear
to where I breathe in free at last
and to the Lord draw near

bare (poem)

cauterize my nerve endings
and sanitize my heart
break into the emptiness
burnt deep on every part
Christ will fill the empty places
buried deep inside
strip away all I have left
of any way to hide

1/27/18

into dreams (poem)

castles bright in dreams
woven at the seams
from threads once spun of hope
strong enough to grow
into our dreams so bright
faith born into sight

1/28/18

heart wide open (poem)

wipe the blood from my eyes so I can see you
kiss the tears from my eyes so I can feel you
don't break my heart wide open when you touch
stay with me tonight, I don't need much

1/29/18

set our way (poem)

fading night
the breaking day
open eyes
don't look away
heavens open
in our sight
set our way
and reach the light

wash me in grace (poem)

gather the broken pieces of my heart
gather them, O Lord, into Your arms
wrap me in Your healing arms of love
wash me in Your grace 'til I am whole

light my heart (poem)

light and sun
spinning bright
dancing fierce
to burn the night
open hopes
and scatter dreams
light my heart
in flaming streams

1/30/18

bloom (poem)

the garden of my soul
bursting with spring flowers
after the winter snow
after the autumn rains
the air is still quite cool
the sun however bright
I bask in the warmth of joy
and hold your love in sight

a complement in light (poem)

there on the edge of the rift
my soul takes flight, adrift
burning beneath my wings
and exhilaration sings
I share the joy of flight
a complement in light
we open up the rift
with cutting wings and swift
the heavens open up
like an overflowing cup

seethe (poem)

For S. and M.

kisses hot along my side
I can barely stand the tide
of overwhelming want in me
filling me entirely
the way you touch me desperately
your hands that grip too steadily
I breathe you in and cannot breathe
but hold it in and let it seethe
burning, blooming, feel the high
listen to your sweetest sigh
there is nothing else but this
as we lose ourselves in bliss

broken (poem)

For D. and C.

promises, promises
you made to me
touch me and hold me
you promised to keep
I watch you in nightmares
as you walk away
I hold you and love you
but only in sleep

February

2/1/18

Prayer 043 (poem)

Good morning, God

it's a new day

Your mercy is renewed

I stay

You have called me

child, friend

I want this love

to never end

birth in me

Your perfect peace

let the joy of God

increase

open up the light

in me

let it burn and

wash me clean

never knew (poem)

soft words, soft touch
never knew it meant so much
warm arms, warm eyes
I need to see your love this time

its outward signs (poem)

love is not without its outward signs
even if they do not spring to mind
consideration, care, and selflessness
take shape often in obscurity
I'll accept the love you give to me

turn again (poem)

hourglass turn again
on the past and rend
to the future shine
on these hopes of mine

scar tissue (poem)

scar tissue
I remember
the things I've faced
were bigger than
all my trials now
the new blades
beneath my skin
are not so black
as storms of then
the seething oceans
of former days
could not drown me
nor hide my face
let this tide
though unrestrained
wash me through
yet I remain

gleaming (poem)

needle sharp and gleaming bright
let in pinpricks of light
hem and stitch 'round every edge
until we're made of light instead

bone deep (poem)

bone deep
you're in my blood
cover me
a drowning flood
breathe you
deep into me
until I'm full
not exhaling

2/2/18

return address (poem)

missives from my lost heart
travel over the miles to reach
the one I never stopped looking for
no matter how deep goes the breach
I know the reply will find me

nearness (poem)

whisper life into my ear
let it fill my body bright
with power and your nearness too
until my world is filled with you

teeth (poem)

winter bares white teeth
needle sharp in glimmers
falling ice that shatters
delicate and pure

under glass (poem)

this and that
bits and pieces
of my life
like feathers flying
through the snow
you cannot see them
under glass
so beautiful

wish me another (poem)

wish me another road home
I'll take it, I will and you know
I never intended this way
I hope you will find a new day

2/3/18

let the light (poem)

Somebody show me the light
Let it bend and refract all around me
Shine bright and open my sight
Flay the illusions that found me
Burn away darkness and night
Open my soul and renew me

2/4/18

onward (poem)

castles bright and gleaming
do not give up hope
keep on walking forward
until you reach the goal

2/5/18

carved beneath (poem)

do you know the name
carved beneath my skin?
remember that one person
that I should have been?
do you know the dreams
that you once dreamed for me?
do you understand
that returning isn't free?

unready (poem)

questions without answers
answers without need
something deep inside me
hungry desperately
I know the things I want
know who I want to be
there is no part of me
ready to receive

learn to breathe (poem)

broken pieces
am I broken pieces
shadows on the wall
tumbling down the waterfall
the ocean seems so wide
vaster than the tide
that washes over me
and drowns eventually
oxygen in lungs
comes up again, I'm young
enough to learn to breathe
the waters in that seethe
you shall not lose my soul
the head shall be let go
and I will rise again
to find that reaching hand

kiss my scars (poem)

For R. and C.

matchless grace
your open face
you kiss my scars
and I see stars
embrace my wounds
and love resumes

sunlight clasped (poem)

whisper in my ear, my mind
help me reach and help me find
light within my open grasp
sunlight in my fingers clasped
open hearts and draw it in
hear yours beating deep within
move in sync and time with you
every feeling burning true

2/6/18

moonless (poem)

moonless nights I come to you
I hold you close; you warm me through
there's comfort in your shadowed face
and more within your warm embrace

2/8/18

trust issues (poem)

so maybe I have trust issues
you never thought to ask me why
never asked me why I cry
just speculated; least you try
maybe I have trust issues
I've seen a lot of painful falls
everything within me calls
don't let go, but don't give all

like oceans (poem)

For C.

cold like oceans
sink in peace
you keep rising
bright in dreams

2/9/18

reasons (poem)

reasons
flutter through
like butterflies
distant
lovely
no more solid
for passing by

2/10/18

like monuments (poem)

moments in time

like monuments

crumbled once more

to our detriment

rebuild the broken facade
reopen the temple of God

(haiku for justice)

justice may be blind
but mercy stays her hand–a
little bird of hope

winter white (poem)

winter snow

fall, falls

clouds of white

flutter down

warm within

my heart, home

staring out

at winter white

a steady light (poem)

Whisper light and warm
upon my heart so bright,
your love a steady light.

2/11/18

burn (poem)

For M.

I will burn you to pieces
be careful of me
don't call me your ruler
don't make me believe
don't make me your shelter
don't hold onto me
I'll burn you to pieces
then nothing, you'll see

2/13/18

running in rain (poem)

testing and trials
trials and pain
so much to learn and
everything to gain
passing the torch now
running in rain
endure through the night
for day comes again

2/16/18

your edges (poem)

For S. and M.

your edges cut me
I burn inside
with every whisper
you breathed or sighed
I want you fiercely
I even need
to feel your edges
burning me

with wings (poem)

windows into futures
falling like clouds upward
burning like bright sunlight
letting go with wings

2/19/18

like something (poem)

For D.

emptiness
breaks like something
air, like breathing
nothing

flit (poem)

little birds flit from branch to branch
kiss the fruit in joyful dance
open throats to greet the morn
singing in the day newborn

no prize (poem)

bright are the stars within your eyes
don't you know I am no prize
I hold you close, so close to me
in the hopes that you won't see

2/20/18

elude (poem)

words elude
the waking mind
whisper bright
the breezes find
on the edge
of precipice
my heart, my words
can't capture it

with fingers warm (poem)

truths in pieces
move in waves
open faces
full-hearted gaze
read the life
beats in your heart
with open hands
and fingers warm
touch sincerely
gather dreams
one day knowing
everything

2/21/18

open ends (poem)

mornings new with open ends
roads untraveled, familiar friends
hope around the brand new bends
find the harvest our love sends

warmth so bright (poem)

wishes burn
my heart alight
fill my soul
the warmth so bright
you bring to me
with constancy

2/22/18

through desert winds (poem)

wander through the desert winds
toward the sun where world ends
hold my face up to the light
burn all darkness from my sight

2/23/18

be quiet, be still (poem)

God, You know my heart: please make it quiet
open up my sheltered mind; the riot
of all of my conflicted memories
help me give them up entirely

2/26/18

bones ache (poem)

my bones ache
my body bleeds
my heart quakes
with burning need
my hopes burn
the world turns
my soul learns
what I earn

2/27/18

let me count (poem)

how do I cry, let me count the ways
from the depth of my heart
with the breath of my lung
burning and ragged
broken and done
I open my eyes
to take in the light
let it burn, let it burn
and fill all my sight

like honey (poem)

sweet like honey
dark like tea
burning deep
inside of me
warm like sunlight
hope like rain
I'll endure
through deepest pain

shattered edges (poem)

I have burned my bridges
and I have called on God
I've shattered all my edges
forgotten every word
they used to shine within me
they burst upon my tongue
now it's not so easy
and now I'm not so young
I have cried in pieces
and gathered in my hands
I hold them up to Father
He'll give me strength to stand
I will cling forever
to my hope in Him
until He brings me safely
back to home again

crush (poem)

For D. and C.

truth is mirrored in your eyes
what cunning schemes will you devise
I will crush you, slice and break
every bond with me you make

2/28/18

leap year (poem)

the year is leaping, bright and fresh
count me in, the seasons mesh
between my breaths, beneath my ribs
for every promise I call dibs
time like sand may drip away
help me use it all, I pray

give it wings (poem)

offer You praise like songbirds sing
lift up my heart and give it wings
open my soul to everything
You have allowed with thanksgiving

March 2018

3/2/18

gold lines (poem)

gold lines
cover my heart
you crack to pieces
I restart

3/3/18

hope in bloom (poem)

golden blossoms
hope in bloom
promises
an inner room
deep within
my heart you shine
I look forward
to the light

3/4/18

the sunlit vision (poem)

the dreamer wakes
the night grows dim
the sunlit vision
beats within
the canvas painted
in its rays
imagination
blooms and stays

where broken dreams (poem)

I'm holding court in the fields
where broken dreams are scattered
queen of forgotten promises
I remember the wishes mattered
falling stars in the heavens
before they were broken and shattered
glittering bright in my heart
gather up every tatter
stare out into infinity
it's studded with dreams to eternity

Butterfly (poem)

Christ, the light within my eyes
Reaching it, most joyful prize
Pour my soul into the light
Transform all and grant me flight

3/5/18

near misses (poem)

blood and kisses
bright near misses
hope and grace
not out of place
bruises, burns
the memory scorns
to reach the end
to bind nor mend

3/6/18

placed in You (poem)

trust is what I place in You
You teach to me, the Word is true
You rescue me most faithfully
I never fear when You're with me

to the marrow (poem)

tired down to my bones
where my flesh is flesh
I don't know
the ages are past
in the dirt of the earth
my fingers dig in
and the fires give birth
broken down to my marrow
yet I still hope for tomorrow

ocean of dreams (poem)

waters, the waters
are deep
and the ocean depths
are steep
in the ocean of dreams
I will sleep
'til all of our
promises keep

3/7/18

entirely (poem)

I miss you in my soul
your hands that made me whole
the joy I found in you
the struggles we went through
you were a part of me
I long entirely
with all my heart for you
in everything I do

with patience wait (poem)

waiting
with patience
with trust
where the darkness
is burning
the light shines
much brighter
my heart
grows lighter

3/8/18

Kitchen (poem)

There's a room in the corner of the kitchen
It's close, it's quiet, it's warm
Where the silence is blissfully silent
And the light glows bright on the wood
There's footsteps, rhythmic and certain
I walk figure eights on the floor
There's tea in my cup, hot and perfect
It fills me where I need it more
Don't break the silence with laughter
Don't fill the room with your jokes
Don't bring your tales of disaster
I need just a moment alone
There's a room in the corner of the kitchen
Hidden beyond a closed door
Open my heart now and listen
To the rhythm and the silence on the floor

by and by (poem)

I am a whisper
by light, by night
words move and shimmer
in depths of my mind
cry me a river
open up by and by
my heart will not shiver
nor be lost for all time

bend in the road (poem)

high hopes, high plans
it seems to span
the days, no end
I need a bend

3/9/18

ever-ready canvas (poem)

I can feel the bones atremble
I can feel the heart within
Beating with vibrant purpose
Opening my walls again
Open up, the words are flowing
Imagination is my pen
Life the ever-ready canvas
Patience still my faithful friend

You Are (poem)

joy in the morning
hope in the night
love in my heart
my soul filled with light
You are my joy
and You are my hope
Christ, God of love
all the light that I know

bright like kindling (poem)

light on the tip of the candle
my fingers cradle the flames
burning so bright like they kindle
my heart deep inside of my bones
hope is as warm as these flickers
hope is as bright as this fire
I look to the edge of the possible
then I must look even higher

blur (poem)

wander home to the stars
where our wishes were lost like a sun
there you will see me, you won
they run like tail lights on cars

3/11/18

yet the songbirds (poem)

I am broken
yet you love me
yet the songbirds sing

Prayer 044 (poem)

wisdom knows her children
make me one of hers
Christ become my Master
I'll trust in You, my Friend

My Joy (poem)

my love, my joy
my God, my King
my song in the night
my everything
You touch my heart
You make me sing
You are my light
You are my strength

nesting (poem)

For S. and M.

nesting
ruffled feathers
drape them around
the love we've found

lost souls (poem)

For PM

gathering of lost souls
wounded humans drift away
humanity no longer sways
forgotten hearts, no more they pray
at rising hours, in falling dark
leave footprints on their shattered hearts
they'll cross your soul and make you bleed
in violent passion, loyal creed

I'll Walk (poem)

alone in a crowd
don't want to talk
don't make me stay
don't go; I'll walk

my home (poem)

For S. and M.

I'm on a mission
you are my vision
I'll make you my own
for you are my home

heart chimes (poem)

heart chimes
hear the sound
love on the breeze
light in my soul

comes (poem)

I am quiet
in the light
the new day comes
and I will wait

harvest (poem)

just rewards
wholesome waters
pouring down
from seeds newborn
the earth takes in
the earth springs forth
a new sun dawns
the harvest comes

grace washes over (poem)

miracles bloom
promises wake
more full of blessing
than I can take
that's how You love me
cup overfull
grace washes over
and flowing with You

3/12/18

Prayer 045. (poem)

Good morning, God; hello, new day
It's time for me to stop and pray
Forgive me for my every sin
Please plant more love of God within
And fill this lonely hole in me
With perfect peace to set me free
I want to find my joy in You
In every pain the whole day through
I pray Your love grows deep in me
That I may live most faithfully

warm to me (poem)

hot tea
warm to me
empty cold
entirely
pour it out
and fill with heat
morning light
a cup of tea

too wide (poem)

no deserts too wide
where my heart can hide
that You cannot find
and Your love abide

sunlit edges (poem)

sunlit edges of the world
glow of hope, of joy so bright
see horizons open dreams
fill my soul with songs of light

the wilderness way (poem)

we used to be beautiful
sands stretch away
the hourglass turning
the wilderness way
we used to be beautiful
the hills were once green
you loved me, so wonderful
more than I'd been

3/13/18

Christ Alone (poem)

Today, the wings I wear will be
Bright with purpose, hopefully
The day so warm with heavenly love
The presence of my God above
All I want and all I need
Is Christ alone eternally

transmute (poem)

I am broken pieces
and you are broken light
fill the endless brim
with hope becoming sight
with every treasured mem'ry
and every tear of pain
pass your sunlight through them
and watch the rainbow stain

3/14/18

invitation (poem)

make me a promise
shed me a light
break open fences
come in tonight

Prayer 046 (poem)

mornings bright with promise
new days dawn with praise
trust upon my lips and
prayers to You I raise
hope is in my heart now
joy is in my soul
Christ, Your love my vision
and Your peace my goal

overflow (poem)

let it go, let it go
let the waters overflow
fill my heart, long and slow
'til the pain is gone below

mean so much (poem)

warm and kind
loving, sweet
you mean very much to me
hold your hand
count heartbeats
thank you, friend, for everything

3/15/18

my own heartbeat (poem)

cry your name
I need you now
the burning flame
a light somehow
you beat in me
my own heartbeat
so come to me
again, my heat

3/16/18

move me (poem)

move me to tears
tear me to pieces
water the shards
my heart on the ground
seeds in the sunlight
spring from the earth
offer my soul
new fire, rebirth

3/17/18

love me proper (poem)

kiss me warm and love me proper
open eyes to wake beside me
miss me when the sun goes down
'til I'm home with you right now

within your shadow (poem)

I am broken pieces
put me back together
let me cry upon your shoulder
let me rest within your shadow
quiet and unsullen
I will not presume your patience
please hold me at your pleasure
I will breathe until I'm whole

3/18/18

still waiting (poem)

tell me there's love still waiting
at home and at peace in your heart
tell me there's hope still waking
threading between us now
I felt the flicker of darkness
falling upon us and night
but tell me you'll still be beside me
when we step back into the light

Prayer 047 (poem)

You kept Your promises
deep in my heart
I know this, rely on it
open up the dark
Your light's shining through
I can hold in my hands
by Your grace, in Your power
that's how I stand

your pleasure (poem)

I await most anxiously
on your pleasure, can't you see
all I wrote, I wrote for you?
tell me that I'm getting through
somewhere in your quiet heart
may you find joy in my art

the Spirit (poem)

buried in my soul, the Spirit speaks
open up my pen, the Spirit leaks
open up my eyes that I may see
'til the Spirit fills entirely

3/19/18

Prayer 048 (poem)

God, I give You my today
Please grant to me Your strength
Wrap me in Your love, I pray
Like a sword in sheath
Hold me in Your arms and peace
Help me cling to You
In every tiny little thing
I take in mind to do

to give us wings (poem)

words are not the only things
to give us wings
hopes are not the only seams
to stitch our dreams
promises you made and more
the ones you keep
bring the light to me
so true and deep

a reason for hope (poem)

give me a reason for hope
for the joy that bubbles within
welling up out of my heart
when seemingly night closes in
show me the way to the dawn
and help me to feel in my soul
I am Your child, in Your hand
hope is the glory I know

breathe (again) (poem)

breathe
when I cannot feel
and breathe
when my heart can't kneel
and breathe
when the hope is slim
and breathe
when the light seems dim
and sigh
when I can't but cry
breathe out
when the lights go out
breathe in
when You come again
because
I feel You within

3/20/18 START OF SPRING

wishing (poem)

wishing warmth and praying blessings
on your head and all your friendships
all I want is happiness
for all that you experience

3/21/18

armor (poem)

There are broken places in my soul
Somehow you still come to make them whole
Through the end of time, it's all I know
You became the armor to my soul

Prayer 049 (poem)

teach me how to praise You when the skies are dark and grey
and teach me how to love you each and every single day
let the skies pour down and torrent falls of healing rain
wash away the mourning and the lingering marks of pain

3/23/18

sweetness (poem)

sweetness is your smile and your touch
did you know I love you very much
every day I dream of us forever
sweetness is the times we are together

reborn (poem)

worlds without end
hope with no bend
straight on before
'til the end of the hour
hear the bells chime
the ringing of time
breathe in the bright storm
as the world's reborn

3/26/18

Prayer 049 (poem)

Lord, I trust in You
It's Your strength that takes me through
Though the world spins around
It is in Your strength I've found
That no matter what may pass
You will bring me through at last

freely running (poem)

missing kisses
like the airy breezes
blowing through my childhood hair
shadows cool and
gentle sunlight
warms the grass beneath my feet
freely dancing
under the bright sun
freely running like I could fly
I miss the days
I believed in horizons
as open as freedom, open as dreams

3/27/18

and joys renew (poem)

mornings bright,
so full with light
from hopes and dreams,
the tattered seams
of promises
where new growth gleams

the brightest snow
will not impede
the spread of green,
let cold recede
let springtime come
and joys renew
new promises
in morning dew

come to Me
nest warm in light
then spread your wings
in joyful flight

meant to leave (poem)

meant to be
the wings upon my skin
they smell of you again
and the touch
remembered overnight
wakes me with the light
and my brain
cannot compute
your absent warmth
beside me in the bed
nor catch the way
you whispered your goodbyes
there was nothing
wrapped in all of you
waiting in the dark
for me, nor arms to hold
and meant to be
only ever meant
that you were meant to leave

some times (poem)

some days, the words come
some days, the well is dry
some hours, the days not done
some minutes, we naught but cry

stained (poem)

letters from my heart
= letters from war
do the math and weight the scales
with all that's on my sleeve
stained with blood and tears
multiplied by dreams
open up my words
and read between my hands

3/29/18

Prayer 050 (poem)

Mornings wake within Your hope
Grant me, Lord, that I should know
The fullness of Your wondrous love
Flowing through me, Spirit's dove
Resting overhead today
Cover me with grace, I pray
Let me walk in perfect peace
Eyes on You and never cease

we are golden (poem)

we are golden
like the skies
when the morning
dawn will rise
we are brilliant
like the air
when skies are full
with sunset flair
we are glowing
like the moon
gleaming with
each other's warmth
watch the sky
the light that blooms
in our hearts
and in my face

like a peace (poem)

winter days
are quiet
like a peace
the ground imposes
with its untrod snow

for a thousand days (poem)

some days I'm too tired for this
but words are not the answer
I could cry for a thousand days
but I'll endure forever

3/31/18

the lovely blossoms (poem)

Joy, the lovely blossoms
so beautiful and strong
their faces like affection
from those I truly love

wake me when (poem)

For M. and T.

wake me in the morning
when last night's pain is gone
when I can breathe, relieving
the emptiness of dawn
wake me when the silence
is filled once more with love

April 2018

4/1/18

after the fire (poem)

new dreams come
when least expected
new hopes dawn
right after the fire
I will breathe
in love perfected
gift of grace
from blood of God

the doves (poem)

the moaning doves
can frighten me
please calm down
remember, breathe
they sound like every
night I fretted
as my sister
cried unfettered
please don't cry
you mournful doves
I can't sleep
until you're calm

4/2/18

is it (poem)

did you miss me?
I missed you
days aren't quite the same
empty, pained
you hear my breath
broken and ragged
like endless prayers
did you miss me?
is it too
much to wish you did?

4/3/18

birds are crying (poem)

the birds are crying
by my window
sounds of pain
mirror my heart
I'm not crying
I don't want to
yet I hear
the sounds of birds

I don't ask much (poem)

I don't ask much
of service providers
when I click send
please send
when I click save
don't give me that
you'll see me later
you're mighty brave

blown on breezes (poem)

hey you
kisses blown on breezes
in the face of sunsets
that is you to me
so fleeting but so precious
never think you're lesser
because you've gone from me

4/6/18

joy is (poem)

joy is not just feeling
beating in my chest
joy is hope within me
finding there its rest
joy found in the morning
keeps eyes open wide
joy found in the evening
is where I'll abide

take it (poem)

speak my name
dare it
open my heart
bare it
breathe my air
take it
let this last
make it

4/8/18

forget me not (poem)

try not to forget me
I know the reasons why
but once my heart meant something
so don't forget to cry

4/10/18

blood and bruises (poem)

blood and bruises
open muses
read my mind
my heart, my life
spilling veins
upon the pages
touch my soul
with brilliant light

seedtime (poem)

bury me deep in the wild hills
dance on my grave where the sunlight spills
I'll be reborn in harvest anew
in flowers to cover the earth with bright blue

from dust (poem)

dust to dust
from pain to trust
open wings
the phoenix sings

4/11/18

Sonnet for Mercy (poem)

look at what my Lord has wrought
bringing peace from every storm
showing me the things You taught
light my heart and keep me warm
bringing me the listening souls
to ease my pain and grief inside
being to me the sheltering whole
where all my shattered pieces hide
God, You are my hope of love
the castle in the air I dream
and if I am a homing dove
You're the destination gleam
and should I fall upon my face
somehow it's in Your embrace

where God can find me (poem)

where did I leave my heart?
where God can find me
I reach out to my friends
and say don't mind me
every word that rises on my tongue
feels so awkward, like when I was young
somehow love embraces all my failings
somehow strength renews me when I'm weak
God, the hope I cling to, keeps me moving
His the surer anchor that I seek
and should my bones be cut upon this life
He will raise me up to reach the light

(haiku for days)

mornings daily born
anew—like lightning flashes
while I hold the key

(haiku for love)

things we do for love
a thorn to pierce my skin—that
is worth the roses

eagle's wings (poem)

I burned the ocean and it burned
I made the seas roll in my turn
I screamed my prayers into the sky
until You taught my wings to fly

bloom (poem)

soft is not the thing I know to be
life has given claws and thorns to me
but I shall raise my head and look above
until you see the blossom of my love

from the tide (poem)

there are fragile things
I am not one
nor should you pretend
to know enough
to open up my skin
and look inside
be careful what you bring
in from the tide

lost in praise (poem)

winter mornings
golden fields
the thanksgiving
that it yields
to look upon them
lost in praise
for Creator's
wondrous ways

the candles (poem)

missing pieces
of my heart
shine the candles
in the dark
where memory
did float away
that is where
my heart will stay

The Brain (poem)

turn off the brain
you're overthinking
wait, turn it on
need logic to run
wait for the night
when finally sleeping
relieves all the stress
with deep, heartfelt sigh

Prayer 051 (poem)

Lord, I give my night to You
You can feel my need, I know
For the strength to make it through
For Your help to not go slow
For the peace beyond my brain
And all the panicked thoughts it holds
Hold me in Your love again
Lord, I pray, and don't let go

sufficient to the day (poem)

For C. and Z.

most of the time, my brother, I do not miss you
you were never helpless, not to me
now you are more powerful, still perfect
the only member of my family
and truth be told, I could have taken chances
granting me another's heart to love
but none of them were what my own heart wanted
I know you understand and that's enough

4/12/18

bones don't break (poem)

bones don't break,

they shatter

open hearts,

they matter

burn my soul,

it lingers

held between

your fingers

Prayer 052 (poem)

cast my cares upon my God
grant me hope, my sovereign King
You're my love, my everything
Lord, I pray, please grant me peace

to the ground (poem)

burn me down to the very ground
let the ashes lie in the place you found
let the sun on high fall all the way down
until the air has not a sound

found between (poem)

lost things, lost dreams
always never found between
where the winds of hope blow through
that's the place where I found you

(haiku for prudence)

wisdom dictates: when
in doubt, on fawn-new legs, leave
well enough alone

(haiku for indulgence)

tea! o lovely tea!
why can I not indulge my
heart to overfull?

4/16/18

I'll be fine (poem)

broken pieces
and I cry
do not ask
the reasons why
I'll be fine
by morning come
and even when
the day is done

4/18/18

(haiku for remembrance)

make me a promise
when fields glow golden, promise
you'll remember me

unchained (poem)

Uncage the pain inside me
And unchain my shackled soul
I give all of me to You, o God
It's Your love will make me whole

hope's wings (poem)

hope is a funny thing
it beats its tiny wings
like an underdeveloped flame
having staked its burning claim
in my heart, its butterfly beat
full of unbearable heat
undying through the days
under my skin it stays

odd world (poem)

what an odd world it is
the way that it turns in the end
a twist near the end of the play
a hope for forgiveness to stay
forgetting the trials behind
forgetting the pain that we bore
let heaven arise in my mind
and Christ light remain at the fore
what an odd world it is
that I could be held in the end
by the God who created all things
and that He would be my friend

Prayer 053 (poem)

teach me to find my strength in your presence
teach me to find my portion of peace
open my heart and my eyes and my spirit
that all my anxious distraction may cease

4/23/18

the hope I have (poem)

joy in the morning and joy in my heart
this is the hope that I have in the dark
the flame of the light of my Christ and my love
lifting my soul up in flight like a dove

4/25/18

Prayer 054 (poem)

Morning moments
My God loves me
His joy finds
Me safe and sound
Hope is shining
In that morning
May God's grace
In me abound

Prayer 055 (poem)

Christ, I need my strength
I know it's found in You
Bring me through this valley
Show me what to do
Open up my eyes
And shine the light inside
Guide me through my day
And in my heart abide

over the sweetest (poem)

You have no idea what sorts of things
have crossed my mind in the night;
how the beating wings beneath my window
bring to life the cooing doves,
and the sweet caress of moonlight beaming
brings to life my cooling love.
I have run my longing fingers
over the sweetest memories
spilled from your lips and a heart that lingers
where we once entirely
poured our souls out to each other—
please my love, come back to me.

4/30/18

(haiku for mornings)

morning darkness, just
before the reborn sun peeks
brightly at my heart

(haiku for pigeons)

pigeon cries, so soft
flutter like heartbeats, their wings
breathe air in punches

eyes of heaven (poem)

eyes of heaven on me
sun and moon and stars
I feel You bright within me
Creator of them all

(haiku for spring)

thorns and needles, take
my medicine, bittersweet—
spring life to my bones

Prayer 056 (poem)

Christ, the morning comes each day
I wait for You, my heart will stay
Cocooned in peace when wrapped in You
Please help me keep my eyesight true
In every trial and pain that comes
I want to see the feast; the crumbs
Of joy are not enough for me
I hold Your grace entirely
Upon my knees within my soul
I wait that You may cleanse me all
Upon my lips and tongue Your praise
Prayers like groaning seem always
Open heart and mind to love
Fix my gaze: it is enough
If after all this pain is through
I might find reward in You

creature comfort (poem)

tea, my creature comfort, for its warmth
like human touch I gave up long ago
fills me like a dose of morning sun
heating barren places once too slow
to look upon the day with open eyes
finding joy in even a surprise

Prayer 057 (poem)

pure love, pure light
I find in Christ
have mercy, O God
by this great love

my heart is not proud (poem)

my heart is not proud of its longing
my soul can be pained by its need
I take all my brokenness, weakness
as part of my spiritual creed
laid in the dust, Lord, before You
my strength that depends on my trust
and whether I cast my cares on You
allow hope within me to rust
there is one path to my vict'ry
and there is one answer for me
rely on my Christ and His favor
trust all to Him faithfully
find in my heart all I hold
grant me a faith ever bold

(haiku for petals)

soft pink petals bloom
sweet like mother's love outlast
certain fated ends

dreaming (poem)

For DB and F. and Y.

dreaming of you
not quite a nightmare
I can't break through
your dark apathy
remember the love
once blazing between us
whenever you are
dreaming of me

every bright hope (poem)

this is the light I see
every bright hope in me
the love of Christ and mercy
what times it might shine through me

Prayer 058 (poem)

Good morning, God, a busy day
Seems to stand within my way
Take it in Your mighty hand
I only want what You have planned
Work Your will in me, I pray
And choose what I shall do today

(haiku for dancing)

dance on tiptoes like
prancing birds on a green branch,
the wind their partner

boots and iron (poem)

boots and iron
it sounds like I am strong
I will not tell you
what lies beneath this armor
nor in my heart

remember the days (poem)

For F. and Y.

butterfly kisses
heart near misses
remember the days
you were tender with me
barely there touches
aching near brushes
this is the warmth
of our memory

the greening leaves (poem)

the swallows dart, a flash of blue
the greening leaves and purple hue
of blossoms rich upon the trees
fill my heart—a springtime breeze

Prayer 059 (poem)

keep my heart in perfect peace
as You promised, Lord, to me
if I keep my mind stayed on thee
praying always without cease

from stone (poem)

I'm sitting in my castles
I carved them out of stone
For hearth I burned my heart
For walls I cut my bone
Look upon the mantle
I'll seat You on the throne
Wash the blood from marble
Bring hope into this home

draw me back (poem)

miss me for a while
catch me in your smile
draw me back to you
and let your love break through

sun set down (poem)

I am quiet tonight
the sun went down
like the birds have flown
and set itself inside
my silent heart aglow

May 2018

5/1/18

milk and tea (poem)

soft like milk and warm like tea
that is what you are to me
comfort held within my grip
filling me with every sip

unmoved (poem)

damage done
it's a battle won
the rock unmoved
and nothing proved

(haiku for blushing)

For Y.

flush staining cheeks like
blushing petals of summer's
pink blossoms—lovely

Prayer 060 (poem)

keep me in Your will today
guide my heart and help me stay
close to You and in Your arms
safe from any kind of harm

5/2/18

anew (poem)

new day, new thoughts
flooding me with dreams anew
new sun, new loves
hopes aloft to carry through
to the light before my face
riding on the wings of grace

morning love (poem)

For I. and V.

kiss me in the morning
when resolve is weak
maybe I'll just stay here
in your arms and sleep
hold me in your love now
never let me go
I promise I will love you
forever let it show

for mild gain (poem)

blood and pain
for mild gain
but I praise
my God always

what I think of you (poem)

love is what I think of you
you feel for me, our hearts are two
dancing in the sea like one
waves that rise from depths to sun


5/3/18

Prayer 061 (poem)

Good morning, God! I love You, Lord
Please help me walk within Your Word
You know the Name that I would wear
You've seen my pain and help me bear
For it is wonder that You care
I feel Your love: You're always there
And so Your peace has stayed with me
And I'll give thanks with constancy
If You help keep my mind on You
In everything the whole day through

answer to a sleepy day (poem)

This tea is my answer to a sleepy day
That greets my eyes and rests on my brain
I pray for strength and energy
To find its way inside of me

cool and still (poem)

quiet mornings, cool and still
soft green silence o'er the hills
nothing breaks my inward peace
anxieties within me cease

5/5/18

(haiku for cold)

winter met me: cold
breath and icy fingers, frost—
relatives swarming

(haiku for sunlight)

sunlight soft, stretchy
enough to catch the kitten
in its purring nap

(haiku for wishes)

wishes: stars falling
bright pinpricks in the dark night
landing in our hearts

happiness (poem)

light in snatches
vibrant, sweet
across the length
of windowseat
cat is purring
and I sip tea
books that open
worlds to me

in wings (poem)

For C. and M.

snuggled in parental wings
I am loved, the child's heart sings
warm and safe through everything
tucked within such sheltering

5/7/18

Prayer 062 (poem)

Dear God above, my family
Please wrap in tender love
Hold them safe through all the night
And grant them peace and rest
The sweetest dreams until the light
Whatever You think best

Prayer 063 (poem)

I know You know my heart
Its every wayward way
And every inward part
The thoughts that fill my day
Renew in me my love
For purposes made true
Everything that I
Should be and do for You

with family (poem)

tea in the morning, kisses at night
love of a mother, hugs that hold tight
pats on the head and warmth in my chest
home with my family beloved is best

morning star (poem)

a gleam upon horizon
that liquid golden beam
spreads to fill the heaven
with a dawn bright sheen
the vibrant blue and oranges
the shining planet white
cascades into my heart
it is the end of night

Prayer 064 (poem)

a mundane prayer for mundane things
I give You, God, my everything
the hustle, bustle of my day
to-do lists stretch so far away
work them all to match Your will
keep my heart at peace and still
help me fix my eyes above
set to the light and filled with love

a case of the mondays (poem)

a case of the mondays
the printer won't print
it says it is empty
but there's paper in it
perhaps a day off
is what it requires
and so with the network
the printer conspires

gotta love technology (poem)

gotta love technology

it knows before you do
everything you ought to see
and what should be your cue
settings that you shouldn't touch
the buttons hid from view

gotta love technology

too smart to be held back
by human wants or human needs
nor does it cut you slack
behold the bright blue screen of eath
just tech that gives you flack

5/8/18

Prayer 065 (poem)

thank You, Lord, for sleepy days
for peace You give, for peace that stays
through traffic jams and tech support
and every ball that's in my court
I cling to You and to that peace
Your very precious gift to me
I pray to You and shall not cease
But lean upon You constantly

5/9/18

in fire (poem)

Days run by
They melt in fire
I cry out
You take me higher
Nights that quake
And bones that shake
I'll be here
'Til morning wake

5/10/18

the morning rush (poem)

For K. and M. and T.

the morning rush you give to me
when I walk in and feel your heat
in every touch, the way you smile
you make the day to come worthwhile
I hold you close, a morning hug
and do not say, it's not enough
you wave goodbye and off I go
already longing to come home

but I'm okay (poem)

everything hurts but I'm okay
the day is over, it's when we say
hold on until the light is through
because that is what we must do

5/11/18

cut into me (poem)

For F. and Y.

missing you cuts into me
deep beneath my skin and flesh
it aches, the wounds carved in my soul
though ages old, they still feel fresh
breaking me was the bright day
my heart turned 'round and walked away
you left me in the forlorn dust
and open air turned love to rust

5/12/18

(haiku for chimes)

bells chiming, calling
come to life like spring blossoms!
come, my friends, to prayer

(haiku for love)

in hidden places
love blooms in silent actions
like desert flowers

Ephemera (poem)

The detritus of every hour
is an empty sort of power
streaming through the days gone by
I had to know, I had to try
aloud, to ask the question why

(haiku for grace)

beautiful summer
skirts on lovely girls in spring
rustling with grace

5/14/18

Today, I Will (poem)

Today, I will be thankful
Today, I will give praise
I reach to You to guide me
Lord, help me not to stray
I'm thankful for Your blessings
For all You've done for me
Please open up my heart, Lord
And rule entirely

5/15/18

glass crown (poem)

I wear a glass crown
it's fragile, it shatters
if ever I fall down
the pieces, they matter
my King picks me up
I drink from the cup
I wear a glass crown
gold lines and gown

the little strifes (poem)

Christ, the King of all my life
every day, the little strifes
help me find my peace in You
help me, Lord, to make it through
the difficulties of my day
the way its burdens on me weigh
I will find my hope in You
trust that You will bring me through

(haiku for sister)

sister sweet, precious
as the passing hours, which
only once are mine

echo (poem)

soon
my name will echo
emptiness resounds
with a voice, an interruption
of the silence
in my heart

to be grateful (poem)

it's my mission to be grateful
for the things that come my way
in Your plan, my loving Father
and the way You've planned my day
help me focus, help me hold to
You in everything I say
keep me walking close beside You
in Your presence, let me stay

pot of gold (poem)

at the foot of the rainbow
standing in gold
I dare to make wishes
with confidence bold
the light of bright promises
shines in my face
I'm covered in blessings
and showered in grace

5/16/18

like the little birds (poem)

change is like the little birds
breezing in and breezing out
bringing songs and sweetest sounds
but also defiling the patio

5/17/18

(haiku for desire)

For D. and C.

desire ripe, heavy
with unnatural gravity
the inhuman mourns

5/18/18

(haiku for rain)

rain beats like hammers
on the glass—spring's boots make noise
against serenity

shallow (poem)

I am broken bones
my breath comes shallow
hold me in your arms until tomorrow
morning’s sun will wake me from this night
I will open up my soul to light