In the sharing of our lives and of our faith
honestly, openly, authentically
Christ joins the conversation
as he did on that Emmaus road
working now through the Spirit living within us
He joins us, where we are, as we are
to guide and teach us, to shepherd us still
The journey is in community
together with Christ,
who understands all too well
the realities of this world
He joins in the conversation,
for all who seek, who all who are part of his flock
all who would choose to serve in his name
May 2, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and “Holy Conversation”,
pages 40-41 of March-April 2009
Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
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Saturday, May 02, 2009
In Holy Conversation
A community, brothers set apart
living, praying, being in holy conversation
supporting, affirming, proclaiming the grace of God
Guiding, revealing, discovering,
our part in the plan
to share the love of the father
the healing sacrifice of the son
starting within ourselves
outward to other, to the community
to the whole world
Firing our heart with the indwelling spirit
filling our minds with the wondrous story
the word made flesh, life eternal
and putting our hands, our feet, our voices, our lives
to continuing the Master’s work,
to humble ourselves, to bear witness
to follow him and become fishers of men
Leaving the crowd as disciples
Loving God and loving our brothers and sisters
Trying our best, in community,
in holy conversation, to be Christ to the world.
May 2, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and “Holy Conversation”,
pages 40-41 of March-April 2009
Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide
living, praying, being in holy conversation
supporting, affirming, proclaiming the grace of God
Guiding, revealing, discovering,
our part in the plan
to share the love of the father
the healing sacrifice of the son
starting within ourselves
outward to other, to the community
to the whole world
Firing our heart with the indwelling spirit
filling our minds with the wondrous story
the word made flesh, life eternal
and putting our hands, our feet, our voices, our lives
to continuing the Master’s work,
to humble ourselves, to bear witness
to follow him and become fishers of men
Leaving the crowd as disciples
Loving God and loving our brothers and sisters
Trying our best, in community,
in holy conversation, to be Christ to the world.
May 2, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and “Holy Conversation”,
pages 40-41 of March-April 2009
Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide
The Stranger May Be Christ
Cleopas and the other traveler
like us, confused, afraid sometimes
not fully understanding the story
human hearts, human comprehension
of the lessons of God
needing others, a conversation
to reveal the truth in the scripture
the power, and the love, of God
But another part of the story,
the kindness they shared,
walking with the stranger
we need to remember too
that the stranger we encounter
the person on the street
on our journey of life, of faith
this stranger that comes up beside us
this person, traveling with us
this stranger may be Christ
Live always, as if that is the case
that the truth is revealed in the sharing of the word
that we are steeled by the sharpening
of fellow believers, the strangers
that become our teachers, our partners,
our brothers and sisters in Christ;
but live also, ever, as if that is the case
that the stranger we encounter
in our daily walk with God
could well be Christ, walking with us
May 2, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Matthew 25:31-46,
like us, confused, afraid sometimes
not fully understanding the story
human hearts, human comprehension
of the lessons of God
needing others, a conversation
to reveal the truth in the scripture
the power, and the love, of God
But another part of the story,
the kindness they shared,
walking with the stranger
we need to remember too
that the stranger we encounter
the person on the street
on our journey of life, of faith
this stranger that comes up beside us
this person, traveling with us
this stranger may be Christ
Live always, as if that is the case
that the truth is revealed in the sharing of the word
that we are steeled by the sharpening
of fellow believers, the strangers
that become our teachers, our partners,
our brothers and sisters in Christ;
but live also, ever, as if that is the case
that the stranger we encounter
in our daily walk with God
could well be Christ, walking with us
May 2, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Matthew 25:31-46,
By the Name of Jesus
By the name of Jesus, so he healed
so he reported boldly
changing his world
Standing tall, erect
taking in a breath, no longer trembling
proclaiming to all,
to the Rulers of the people and the elder,
that he had healed
by the name of Jesus
So different, this Pentecost-filled
this flame-fired apostle of Christ
Bearing witness.
No longer the timid disciple,
cowering, denying his master
hiding no longer in the shadows.
Testifying, full-throated authority
to the healing power
of the name of Christ
So it was then
so it is now,
healed by Christ’s name
May 2, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Acts 4:5-12, Luke 22:54-62,
Matthew 26:32-75, and John 21:15-19
so he reported boldly
changing his world
Standing tall, erect
taking in a breath, no longer trembling
proclaiming to all,
to the Rulers of the people and the elder,
that he had healed
by the name of Jesus
So different, this Pentecost-filled
this flame-fired apostle of Christ
Bearing witness.
No longer the timid disciple,
cowering, denying his master
hiding no longer in the shadows.
Testifying, full-throated authority
to the healing power
of the name of Christ
So it was then
so it is now,
healed by Christ’s name
May 2, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Acts 4:5-12, Luke 22:54-62,
Matthew 26:32-75, and John 21:15-19
Friday, May 01, 2009
A Christian in the throne room of God
Oh to be a Christian, in the throne room of God
to be like Isaiah, to be in awe, in wonder
to see the heavenly beings, to see the risen Christ
sitting at the right hand of the Father
to hear the heavenly choir, to be so graced
To walk, assuming that was how we move there
to approach the throne of our brother
to bow, to humble myself,
in supplication and, oh yes, in thanksgiving
Oh if only I could find the words, in that very moment
to tell my brother, what his sacrifice, what his obedience
what his gift of love means to me
If I but have this chance, to be a Christian
to have been yoked with my brother all the days of my life
to be in the presence of God, to be before my Lord and King;
but especially to be able to thank him, to wash his feet,
as he has washed mine, as he has poured out
grace upon grace, joy after joy
To be a Christian in the throne room of God,
and to know what that means
May 1, 2009
Google search string, “cHRISTIAN In the tHRONE ROOM of God POETRY”,
that led someone from Richmond, VA to my blog
and
Isaiah 6:1-8
and
John 3:1-17
Romans 8:12-17
Advanced Lay Speaker class
April 18, 2009
to be like Isaiah, to be in awe, in wonder
to see the heavenly beings, to see the risen Christ
sitting at the right hand of the Father
to hear the heavenly choir, to be so graced
To walk, assuming that was how we move there
to approach the throne of our brother
to bow, to humble myself,
in supplication and, oh yes, in thanksgiving
Oh if only I could find the words, in that very moment
to tell my brother, what his sacrifice, what his obedience
what his gift of love means to me
If I but have this chance, to be a Christian
to have been yoked with my brother all the days of my life
to be in the presence of God, to be before my Lord and King;
but especially to be able to thank him, to wash his feet,
as he has washed mine, as he has poured out
grace upon grace, joy after joy
To be a Christian in the throne room of God,
and to know what that means
May 1, 2009
Google search string, “cHRISTIAN In the tHRONE ROOM of God POETRY”,
that led someone from Richmond, VA to my blog
and
Isaiah 6:1-8
and
John 3:1-17
Romans 8:12-17
Advanced Lay Speaker class
April 18, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
By Speaking the Word
Emboldened by the Spirit
showering down upon them
flames anointing their hearts
commissioning their lives
sending them forth
out into the world
Speaking the Word,
the scriptures all fulfilled
the word of God
made flesh in the Christ
Living, dying, rising again
so that death would lose its sting
Redeemed and reclaimed
by the grace of God
the precious blood of the lamb
poured out for our sin
Shared with all the world
By speaking the holy word.
April 21, 2009 and April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Acts 4:32-35
showering down upon them
flames anointing their hearts
commissioning their lives
sending them forth
out into the world
Speaking the Word,
the scriptures all fulfilled
the word of God
made flesh in the Christ
Living, dying, rising again
so that death would lose its sting
Redeemed and reclaimed
by the grace of God
the precious blood of the lamb
poured out for our sin
Shared with all the world
By speaking the holy word.
April 21, 2009 and April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Acts 4:32-35
Our Souls Danced
All of us, in the family
the faithful, around the world
so different, but bound together
Our souls dance, sing for joy
in thanksgiving to the same savior
sheep of his fold, yoked, one to another
with our risen brother, Jesus the Christ
Spreading out, to the ends of the earth
witnesses to his love
to the wondrous, endless grace of God.
April 21, 2009 and April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Acts 4:32-35
the faithful, around the world
so different, but bound together
Our souls dance, sing for joy
in thanksgiving to the same savior
sheep of his fold, yoked, one to another
with our risen brother, Jesus the Christ
Spreading out, to the ends of the earth
witnesses to his love
to the wondrous, endless grace of God.
April 21, 2009 and April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Acts 4:32-35
Great Grace was Upon Them
Speaking Words of hope, of life
of the gift of grace
the unmerited love of God
Emboldened and empowered
sharing his life, in their testimony
truth to power, joy for us all
in the words of the apostles
in the acts of the faithful
then as is still true now
April 21, 2009 and April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Acts 4:32-35
of the gift of grace
the unmerited love of God
Emboldened and empowered
sharing his life, in their testimony
truth to power, joy for us all
in the words of the apostles
in the acts of the faithful
then as is still true now
April 21, 2009 and April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and Acts 4:32-35
Seeing God in Them
In the words they shared
the way they made their witness
authentic, heartfelt words,
taking risks before the community
Seeing God, in the testimony
in the faces of my brothers
leading each of us
closer to God
Leaving the world
only to return
stronger, in some ways
cleansed by our tears
Washed by the grace,
showering down on us
coming beside our brothers
on our journeys of faith
April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
the way they made their witness
authentic, heartfelt words,
taking risks before the community
Seeing God, in the testimony
in the faces of my brothers
leading each of us
closer to God
Leaving the world
only to return
stronger, in some ways
cleansed by our tears
Washed by the grace,
showering down on us
coming beside our brothers
on our journeys of faith
April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Life Forevermore
Hard to fathom, to even begin to comprehend
what the Lord is offering
what life forevermore means
standing, here on this mortal coil.
To walk with the creator
to live eternally, a new creation
reconciled to the king
a member of his family.
No longer stained by my sin
redeemed not by my acts
by the Savior’s grace alone
a servant to the Father
to a death on the cross.
Making me clean by his blood
poured out for you and me;
rising with him Easter morn’;
and sent as he was
by the flames of Pentecost
setting my heart afire.
April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Psalm 133
Psalm 133:3
Acts 2:1-21
Matthew 28:18-20
what the Lord is offering
what life forevermore means
standing, here on this mortal coil.
To walk with the creator
to live eternally, a new creation
reconciled to the king
a member of his family.
No longer stained by my sin
redeemed not by my acts
by the Savior’s grace alone
a servant to the Father
to a death on the cross.
Making me clean by his blood
poured out for you and me;
rising with him Easter morn’;
and sent as he was
by the flames of Pentecost
setting my heart afire.
April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Psalm 133
Psalm 133:3
Acts 2:1-21
Matthew 28:18-20
Back into the World
Wondering how the days
have been for my brothers
leaving the community
in the upper room.
Being sent, by the Spirit
as witnesses, as missionaries
commissioned and blessed.
Sent back into the world
to bear the cross, the yoke of Christ
spreading his message,
the power of his life
teaching, sharing the love of the Father.
Testifying to the grace, the gift
our lives redeemed, life everlasting
by the blood of Christ alone.
Spreading the word, being Christ,
through the days of our lives;
walking as children of God
bearing witness out into the world.
April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
have been for my brothers
leaving the community
in the upper room.
Being sent, by the Spirit
as witnesses, as missionaries
commissioned and blessed.
Sent back into the world
to bear the cross, the yoke of Christ
spreading his message,
the power of his life
teaching, sharing the love of the Father.
Testifying to the grace, the gift
our lives redeemed, life everlasting
by the blood of Christ alone.
Spreading the word, being Christ,
through the days of our lives;
walking as children of God
bearing witness out into the world.
April 30, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
email received today, "The Truth Will Set You Free - United Methodists Do Not Torture", from The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society
A Call for Truth & Justice About Torture
Last year, the voices calling for an end to torture rang loud in the halls of power. As an advocate for the abolition of torture, we are starting a new campaign urging President Obama and the U.S. Congress to pursue a commission of inquiry regarding torture.
The Truth Shall Set Us Free
Go to www.umc-gbcs.org/UMsDoNotTorture and sign our petition. This petition will be delivered to President Obama and members of Congress.
The petition calls for a commission of inquiry but also includes a personal pledge to educate, empower and engage others in our communities about the issue of torture and shining a light on past actions.
Let the Light Shine and set us free from our tortured past.
Peace,
Bill Mefford
Director of Civil and Human Rights
The General Board of Church and Society
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Last year, the voices calling for an end to torture rang loud in the halls of power. As an advocate for the abolition of torture, we are starting a new campaign urging President Obama and the U.S. Congress to pursue a commission of inquiry regarding torture.
The Truth Shall Set Us Free
Go to www.umc-gbcs.org/UMsDoNotTorture and sign our petition. This petition will be delivered to President Obama and members of Congress.
The petition calls for a commission of inquiry but also includes a personal pledge to educate, empower and engage others in our communities about the issue of torture and shining a light on past actions.
Let the Light Shine and set us free from our tortured past.
Peace,
Bill Mefford
Director of Civil and Human Rights
The General Board of Church and Society
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
April 29, 2009 - Poetry presentation and poetry writing exercise, Pembroke Hill School, Pembroke, NH, Mrs. Forest's 3rd grade class
Raymond A. Foss
April 29, 2009
Poems read for the class (not in exactly this order)
Nouns Verbs and Adjectives
We added words, one by one
onto the blackboard
at the front of the classroom
little arms raised in the air
sometimes too excited to wait
words blurted out,
urgent important words
They were nouns, verbs, and adjectives
words of a walk in the woods
All are worthy, all valid
at least for him, for her
String together, communally
amid laughter, easy, fun
together writing a poem
before they wrote their own
with their own words
nouns, verbs, adjectives
and adverbs, daringly
-----------------
A Walk in the Woods
sitting at the end of the dinner
thinking of a walk in the woods
just before fall
not in the deep unfamiliar thick forest
no something familiar
suburban woods
looking for opportunities for discovery,
for moments of wonder
in simple things
curled leaves, a translucent leaf
from another season,
sprigs of checkerberries
princess pine
moss on the lee of the fallen oak
a chipmunk darting through leaf litter
a dragonfly disturbed
at the edge of the field
nearby
------------------------------------
Snail Tracks
Down by the water’s edge
in the space between the tides
tiny little roads for one
the furrowed rows
meandering to the sea
of the snails cast by the surf
up onto the beach
purposely fighting
to push their way
into the water
for dear life
Struggling but persevering
because they must
------------------------
Dunes
An old weathered section of snow fencing
half buried in the lee of the dune
gray skin gnarled by wind and water
saw grass and beach plum bloom
intertwined with the rusted wire
holding the slats of the fence
flip flops and sandals
lined up along the path
leading to the Atlantic
warm white sand drifted
mirroring the swells and troughs
undulating offshore
under la luna’s spell
Martha’s Vineyard, ca 1995
----------------------------------
Beach Glass
How do you beach?
Sorry, don’t want to get
Too personal
Just asking, to get a perspective
To put us on the same page.
Do you lay in place
drink in the rays, melt the stress?
Or maybe play – ball, Frisbee, or V-ball?
Not me. I walk, the length of the beach
Too restless to sit
Lost in my own thing
Looking for shells, people,
and beach glass.
Taking in the scene;
Hoping I remember where I left her
on my return.
-----------------------------
Beach Sand
Maybe it is the memories
the change of pace that brings us there
the sense of vacation
maybe the smell of the place
the sights of the gulls, the dunes, the grasses
but oh it is the feel of it,
the crunch and slide of it
the feeling of beach sand
so different from dirt, soil, loam
no, not earthy, moist, rich,
but oh so granular and gritty
even when wet,
moveable paper spreading under toes
sliding beneath the soles
smoothing my skin
clearing my mind
unburdening me of the rest
drawing me to the tactile, the feel
of beach sand
----------------------------------------
Dollars in the Sand
Head turned down to the sand
sunburn to be, on the back of my neck
looking for the little treasures
at the edge of the lapping waves
glistening wet bits of gifts of the sea
tumbled, exposed, revealed
for those who share the wonder
of the little children
further on down the beach
bits of sand dollars, of beach glass, shells
barnacles on the seaweed, the driftwood
prized possessions for my shelf
-------------------------------
Sand Castles
Molded and shaped
Specks of the rocks they once were
Packed and organized in the buckets
Like the seconds of our lives
Held together,
The stories of us
On the beach, in the sun
Working with the girls to create
A mighty fortress, regal and expansive
A myth
Thanks to Shanequa’s
Errant bucketful of destruction
Giggle and shriek
Splash, spill, dribble
Squander, linger
In the mote we created
Breached walls
A mirage of strength
Our handiwork flowing
Back to the water
-------------------------
A Lobster Pot
A lobster pot
tossed by the sea
onto the rocks
wedged in the jetty
between the boulders
of the breakwater
pristine, but barnacled,
seaweeded, lost, adrift
crashed where we found it
in the jagged wet rocks,
on the Maine coast
that long ago summer
climbing down among the stones
to bring it up, into the light
no minor feat
Lug the dead weight
down the jetty,
to the beach
abandon our find,
our catch
to true owners
claiming their rights
as we left the rocks
and touched the sand
------------------------------------
Windward Dawn
We were alone with our thoughts
Warm breezes off the southerly ocean
murmur of sea foam on a soft expanse of sand
a solitary couple, alone with each other
for our wonderful show, repeated daily
Early morning on the beach
long before the commotion of day
gazing at the horizon and beyond
through bleary eyes,
thick with northern slumber
Ready to drink in the cascades of color
as the artist paints the windward dawn
before us
Reeling from the brightening sky
like fireworks too close
rich yellows morphing to white
ripping through clouds of grays,
slate blue, and whites
Ours alone to share
on our honeymoon
in our memories
in the whispered language
of love
December 16, 2005 16:25
--------------------------
Glassworks
Mesmerized, watching
The skill, artistry
Effortlessness in the heat
Of the sweating craftsmen
In the beach air
On the Vineyard
Living,
Molten glass, clear
Droop on the shaft
Entering the
Orange maw
Mouth of the furnace
Glow yellow
from the warming
Glistening wet
Grow with the blow
Liquid and free
Spin and catch
Supple flesh
Add color and form
Enter again
Translucence now
Hot gases
Fill the space
Wipe brow
Enter again
Cool and gel
Cut from the pipe
Clutched like a robin’s egg
By a toddler’s wonder
Placed to firm and harden
Into permanent wonder
-------------------------
A Field of Ferns
Above the bluff, the scar,
the clear-cut of the power lines,
a forest of pine opens
to the north
Surrounded by conifers,
a field of ferns, rising on sturdy
erect stalks, broad leaves
to drink the shafts of light
falling briefly, through the canopy
the tall mast pines, straight and true
red-brown needles, a carpet between
the ferns, the regal trees, an evenness
of surface, short pile rug
green ferns, red-brown needles,
green-brown trunks, bright green needles
above, reaching to blue sky
----------------------
Sausage
Forget the frank,
Give me the Fenway sausage.
Lansdowne or Yawkey,
Just give me the street, the crowds, the carts.
Sausage you shrug, you the reader
Of this trifle, this whimsy
What do I mean, me the storyteller
Read on.
Peppers and onions
Tease the tongue
Bun and hot mustard
Set the stage
The scorched and blackened piece of meat
Reminds me of every one
Eaten before
So much memory
Of family and fun
Of ballgames, tailgates, and the carnie
A cacophony of moments
Drip with grease
Do you smell it too on the smoky hot grill?
My lips curl with a smirk
Writing these lines
As I laugh to myself
Of the pleasures of excess
The lusty gluttony
Of another one.
-------------------
Night in New Orleans (Nuhawluns)
The Big Easy
A world away
From home
My ears rang and sang
With the loud jazz music
The jumbalaya
And red crawfish taste like magic
To my tongue.
The crowds, the colorful noise, the spicy coffee
Music like a brush fire.
I see it all/hear it all
Still again
Rhythm and movement
Hips grind
Body sways
I lick my lips
And smile
For the music and food
Of my soul
------------------
Reds
Rich vibrant, living color
Dying on the branch
In glory as I drive by
A canopy over my way
Or buttresses along the living border
Of the blacktop I traverse
Saturated, tickling synapses
Charming my eyes, beguiling
Oranges, yellows, and reds:
Candy apple, empire, merlot, barn and fire engine
Fighting for their share, their due
On the canvas
Tree after tree, mile on mile
On the ground, the road, the sky
In clouds and whirls
Filling my vision
Sun sky clouds frame the mood
Backdrop and highlight
Juxtaposed light and shadow
Fall clouds, showers and rainbow
Over the harvested corn field,
Ground turned over
And rolling hills beyond
A curtain call of October
For the failing blood
The fleeting chlorophyll
Gone for another season, another cycle
Neither etched nor burned into memory
But part of the collective
The knowing - fall near and at home
Warm and enduring again
Comfort food for other senses
----------------------------------
Red Sox Win
Red Sox win
Yankees lose
A story so big
It led the news
Bumped politics
Down the page
It may even reduce
New England road rage
A-Rod and Jeter
What can be sweeter
Oh look,
We caught a cheater
Taking two from them
In their park
Big Papi
Was our spark
Down and out
A three-oh slide
Not the end for this
Team with Pride
Red Sox Nation
Delirious
This whole World Series
Will be just as serious.
Reverse the Curse
All these ages
So this club’s history
Will fill more pages
---------------------------
The Ledges
Eight silent canoes
Pushed off onto the still waters
At 2am on a July night.
The full moon and stars
To guide us across the lake
And down river.
The loon and bullfrog
The only sound
Save for the sound of
The bite of the paddle,
The drizzle of water off the blade,
And hulls breaking the surface.
No one spoke,
None of we sixteen.
Lost in our own thoughts
Not wanting to break
The spell
The night and the water
Held on us all.
----------------------
Nightfall
The sun drops behind the shore,
The sky aglow.
Nightfall on the water.
I pull and push
The canoe away from shore.
Longing for the warmth.
The great blue heron
Perched on the skeleton
Of the ancient pine,
Silhouetted on the
Oriole sky.
The skin of the lake
Ablaze in orange, yellow, and black.
Waves swelled and fell.
The canoe pitched and bobbed.
The paddle blade leaves
Bright eddies on my side.
Colored lights on a deck
Elvis on the stereo
Easy laughter from a porch.
Failing light, all in shadows.
Dark houses, silent waters
A beaver before me.
He slaps his tail and dives
Shallow near shore.
We cross again,
Repeating the dance.
A light from my window
Guides me home.
Dark around me
All is still.
---------------------
Ribbons of Children
Amid the controlled chaos
the schoolyard, playground this morning
ribbons of children, running, skipping,
dancing over the blacktop,
being children, free, out in the open air
snaking their way, through the hopscotch
the jump rope, the tag and the banter
coursing, like ants to the nest
following a scent line in the dirt
no hands were held, but they moved
as if connected, giggling and
laughing all the way
August 29, 2008
Pembroke Village School
-------------------------------
April 29, 2009
Poems read for the class (not in exactly this order)
Nouns Verbs and Adjectives
We added words, one by one
onto the blackboard
at the front of the classroom
little arms raised in the air
sometimes too excited to wait
words blurted out,
urgent important words
They were nouns, verbs, and adjectives
words of a walk in the woods
All are worthy, all valid
at least for him, for her
String together, communally
amid laughter, easy, fun
together writing a poem
before they wrote their own
with their own words
nouns, verbs, adjectives
and adverbs, daringly
-----------------
A Walk in the Woods
sitting at the end of the dinner
thinking of a walk in the woods
just before fall
not in the deep unfamiliar thick forest
no something familiar
suburban woods
looking for opportunities for discovery,
for moments of wonder
in simple things
curled leaves, a translucent leaf
from another season,
sprigs of checkerberries
princess pine
moss on the lee of the fallen oak
a chipmunk darting through leaf litter
a dragonfly disturbed
at the edge of the field
nearby
------------------------------------
Snail Tracks
Down by the water’s edge
in the space between the tides
tiny little roads for one
the furrowed rows
meandering to the sea
of the snails cast by the surf
up onto the beach
purposely fighting
to push their way
into the water
for dear life
Struggling but persevering
because they must
------------------------
Dunes
An old weathered section of snow fencing
half buried in the lee of the dune
gray skin gnarled by wind and water
saw grass and beach plum bloom
intertwined with the rusted wire
holding the slats of the fence
flip flops and sandals
lined up along the path
leading to the Atlantic
warm white sand drifted
mirroring the swells and troughs
undulating offshore
under la luna’s spell
Martha’s Vineyard, ca 1995
----------------------------------
Beach Glass
How do you beach?
Sorry, don’t want to get
Too personal
Just asking, to get a perspective
To put us on the same page.
Do you lay in place
drink in the rays, melt the stress?
Or maybe play – ball, Frisbee, or V-ball?
Not me. I walk, the length of the beach
Too restless to sit
Lost in my own thing
Looking for shells, people,
and beach glass.
Taking in the scene;
Hoping I remember where I left her
on my return.
-----------------------------
Beach Sand
Maybe it is the memories
the change of pace that brings us there
the sense of vacation
maybe the smell of the place
the sights of the gulls, the dunes, the grasses
but oh it is the feel of it,
the crunch and slide of it
the feeling of beach sand
so different from dirt, soil, loam
no, not earthy, moist, rich,
but oh so granular and gritty
even when wet,
moveable paper spreading under toes
sliding beneath the soles
smoothing my skin
clearing my mind
unburdening me of the rest
drawing me to the tactile, the feel
of beach sand
----------------------------------------
Dollars in the Sand
Head turned down to the sand
sunburn to be, on the back of my neck
looking for the little treasures
at the edge of the lapping waves
glistening wet bits of gifts of the sea
tumbled, exposed, revealed
for those who share the wonder
of the little children
further on down the beach
bits of sand dollars, of beach glass, shells
barnacles on the seaweed, the driftwood
prized possessions for my shelf
-------------------------------
Sand Castles
Molded and shaped
Specks of the rocks they once were
Packed and organized in the buckets
Like the seconds of our lives
Held together,
The stories of us
On the beach, in the sun
Working with the girls to create
A mighty fortress, regal and expansive
A myth
Thanks to Shanequa’s
Errant bucketful of destruction
Giggle and shriek
Splash, spill, dribble
Squander, linger
In the mote we created
Breached walls
A mirage of strength
Our handiwork flowing
Back to the water
-------------------------
A Lobster Pot
A lobster pot
tossed by the sea
onto the rocks
wedged in the jetty
between the boulders
of the breakwater
pristine, but barnacled,
seaweeded, lost, adrift
crashed where we found it
in the jagged wet rocks,
on the Maine coast
that long ago summer
climbing down among the stones
to bring it up, into the light
no minor feat
Lug the dead weight
down the jetty,
to the beach
abandon our find,
our catch
to true owners
claiming their rights
as we left the rocks
and touched the sand
------------------------------------
Windward Dawn
We were alone with our thoughts
Warm breezes off the southerly ocean
murmur of sea foam on a soft expanse of sand
a solitary couple, alone with each other
for our wonderful show, repeated daily
Early morning on the beach
long before the commotion of day
gazing at the horizon and beyond
through bleary eyes,
thick with northern slumber
Ready to drink in the cascades of color
as the artist paints the windward dawn
before us
Reeling from the brightening sky
like fireworks too close
rich yellows morphing to white
ripping through clouds of grays,
slate blue, and whites
Ours alone to share
on our honeymoon
in our memories
in the whispered language
of love
December 16, 2005 16:25
--------------------------
Glassworks
Mesmerized, watching
The skill, artistry
Effortlessness in the heat
Of the sweating craftsmen
In the beach air
On the Vineyard
Living,
Molten glass, clear
Droop on the shaft
Entering the
Orange maw
Mouth of the furnace
Glow yellow
from the warming
Glistening wet
Grow with the blow
Liquid and free
Spin and catch
Supple flesh
Add color and form
Enter again
Translucence now
Hot gases
Fill the space
Wipe brow
Enter again
Cool and gel
Cut from the pipe
Clutched like a robin’s egg
By a toddler’s wonder
Placed to firm and harden
Into permanent wonder
-------------------------
A Field of Ferns
Above the bluff, the scar,
the clear-cut of the power lines,
a forest of pine opens
to the north
Surrounded by conifers,
a field of ferns, rising on sturdy
erect stalks, broad leaves
to drink the shafts of light
falling briefly, through the canopy
the tall mast pines, straight and true
red-brown needles, a carpet between
the ferns, the regal trees, an evenness
of surface, short pile rug
green ferns, red-brown needles,
green-brown trunks, bright green needles
above, reaching to blue sky
----------------------
Sausage
Forget the frank,
Give me the Fenway sausage.
Lansdowne or Yawkey,
Just give me the street, the crowds, the carts.
Sausage you shrug, you the reader
Of this trifle, this whimsy
What do I mean, me the storyteller
Read on.
Peppers and onions
Tease the tongue
Bun and hot mustard
Set the stage
The scorched and blackened piece of meat
Reminds me of every one
Eaten before
So much memory
Of family and fun
Of ballgames, tailgates, and the carnie
A cacophony of moments
Drip with grease
Do you smell it too on the smoky hot grill?
My lips curl with a smirk
Writing these lines
As I laugh to myself
Of the pleasures of excess
The lusty gluttony
Of another one.
-------------------
Night in New Orleans (Nuhawluns)
The Big Easy
A world away
From home
My ears rang and sang
With the loud jazz music
The jumbalaya
And red crawfish taste like magic
To my tongue.
The crowds, the colorful noise, the spicy coffee
Music like a brush fire.
I see it all/hear it all
Still again
Rhythm and movement
Hips grind
Body sways
I lick my lips
And smile
For the music and food
Of my soul
------------------
Reds
Rich vibrant, living color
Dying on the branch
In glory as I drive by
A canopy over my way
Or buttresses along the living border
Of the blacktop I traverse
Saturated, tickling synapses
Charming my eyes, beguiling
Oranges, yellows, and reds:
Candy apple, empire, merlot, barn and fire engine
Fighting for their share, their due
On the canvas
Tree after tree, mile on mile
On the ground, the road, the sky
In clouds and whirls
Filling my vision
Sun sky clouds frame the mood
Backdrop and highlight
Juxtaposed light and shadow
Fall clouds, showers and rainbow
Over the harvested corn field,
Ground turned over
And rolling hills beyond
A curtain call of October
For the failing blood
The fleeting chlorophyll
Gone for another season, another cycle
Neither etched nor burned into memory
But part of the collective
The knowing - fall near and at home
Warm and enduring again
Comfort food for other senses
----------------------------------
Red Sox Win
Red Sox win
Yankees lose
A story so big
It led the news
Bumped politics
Down the page
It may even reduce
New England road rage
A-Rod and Jeter
What can be sweeter
Oh look,
We caught a cheater
Taking two from them
In their park
Big Papi
Was our spark
Down and out
A three-oh slide
Not the end for this
Team with Pride
Red Sox Nation
Delirious
This whole World Series
Will be just as serious.
Reverse the Curse
All these ages
So this club’s history
Will fill more pages
---------------------------
The Ledges
Eight silent canoes
Pushed off onto the still waters
At 2am on a July night.
The full moon and stars
To guide us across the lake
And down river.
The loon and bullfrog
The only sound
Save for the sound of
The bite of the paddle,
The drizzle of water off the blade,
And hulls breaking the surface.
No one spoke,
None of we sixteen.
Lost in our own thoughts
Not wanting to break
The spell
The night and the water
Held on us all.
----------------------
Nightfall
The sun drops behind the shore,
The sky aglow.
Nightfall on the water.
I pull and push
The canoe away from shore.
Longing for the warmth.
The great blue heron
Perched on the skeleton
Of the ancient pine,
Silhouetted on the
Oriole sky.
The skin of the lake
Ablaze in orange, yellow, and black.
Waves swelled and fell.
The canoe pitched and bobbed.
The paddle blade leaves
Bright eddies on my side.
Colored lights on a deck
Elvis on the stereo
Easy laughter from a porch.
Failing light, all in shadows.
Dark houses, silent waters
A beaver before me.
He slaps his tail and dives
Shallow near shore.
We cross again,
Repeating the dance.
A light from my window
Guides me home.
Dark around me
All is still.
---------------------
Ribbons of Children
Amid the controlled chaos
the schoolyard, playground this morning
ribbons of children, running, skipping,
dancing over the blacktop,
being children, free, out in the open air
snaking their way, through the hopscotch
the jump rope, the tag and the banter
coursing, like ants to the nest
following a scent line in the dirt
no hands were held, but they moved
as if connected, giggling and
laughing all the way
August 29, 2008
Pembroke Village School
-------------------------------
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Falling, Like Spring Rain
How the dove must have felt,
falling from heaven, onto the Lord
rising from the waters of the Jordan
So was the grace falling on each of us,
living in community, our lives set apart
walking with our brother, journeying
deeper into our faith
Falling, like spring rain, cool, soft
captured, collected, accumulating within us
running down, like anointing oil
So was the grace, wrapped like heavy fog
like spring rain, to those oh so thirsty
drinking in the grace of our Father
the love shown by the example of our brother
unmerited, incredible, humbling love
refreshing like spring rain
April 29, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
falling from heaven, onto the Lord
rising from the waters of the Jordan
So was the grace falling on each of us,
living in community, our lives set apart
walking with our brother, journeying
deeper into our faith
Falling, like spring rain, cool, soft
captured, collected, accumulating within us
running down, like anointing oil
So was the grace, wrapped like heavy fog
like spring rain, to those oh so thirsty
drinking in the grace of our Father
the love shown by the example of our brother
unmerited, incredible, humbling love
refreshing like spring rain
April 29, 2009
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Awakened by His Presence
The scales shed, lifted away
eyes and hearts opened
their spirits, their joy,
awakened by His presence
there in our midst
watching over us
allowing us to share, deeply
to say painful, wonderful
important words, with weight and power
shared because He was with us
enabling timid disciples
to move a step or two
forward toward perfection
humbly accepting the grace of God
showering down on us like spring rain
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
eyes and hearts opened
their spirits, their joy,
awakened by His presence
there in our midst
watching over us
allowing us to share, deeply
to say painful, wonderful
important words, with weight and power
shared because He was with us
enabling timid disciples
to move a step or two
forward toward perfection
humbly accepting the grace of God
showering down on us like spring rain
April 23-26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Available to God
The measure of true disciples
Not that they are able
no that isn’t the test
Faithful, not fruitful
available alone
open, willing
answering the call of God
This is the mark
the measure
of the children of Go
following the Master
the example of our Lord
April 26 and April 28, 2009
Ephesians 3:15-19
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Not that they are able
no that isn’t the test
Faithful, not fruitful
available alone
open, willing
answering the call of God
This is the mark
the measure
of the children of Go
following the Master
the example of our Lord
April 26 and April 28, 2009
Ephesians 3:15-19
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Inviting Him In
Inviting God, his Spirit
into our hearts
dwelling within us
guiding our steps
walking with Him;
living our lives
ever for the King
April 26 and April 28, 2009
Ephesians 3:15-19
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
into our hearts
dwelling within us
guiding our steps
walking with Him;
living our lives
ever for the King
April 26 and April 28, 2009
Ephesians 3:15-19
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Fruits for Glory
rich ripe fruit
growing heavy on the vine
so must we be, being perfected
abiding in the vine
drawing from its strength
growing ever, closer to God
April 26 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
growing heavy on the vine
so must we be, being perfected
abiding in the vine
drawing from its strength
growing ever, closer to God
April 26 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Sacred Moments
Keep your eyes open
your senses at the ready
aware, awake for sacred moments
times when we experience
unplanned moments when
we are kissed by the grace of God
Moments out of creation, within the family,
when we see the majesty, the love of God
gifts of little moments in wonder and in awe
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
your senses at the ready
aware, awake for sacred moments
times when we experience
unplanned moments when
we are kissed by the grace of God
Moments out of creation, within the family,
when we see the majesty, the love of God
gifts of little moments in wonder and in awe
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
At the Jordan
At the Jordan
in the water of the river
an initiation into his ministry
repenting and washed clean
into the waters he fell
rising to be kissed by the Spirit
falling like a dove
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
in the water of the river
an initiation into his ministry
repenting and washed clean
into the waters he fell
rising to be kissed by the Spirit
falling like a dove
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Marked with a Seal
A living seal marked on our flesh
filling our lives with grace
a holy stain on our skin
by water the make, the sign of the king
branded and claimed by the presence of God
dying and rising, anointed and redeemed
by the water and by the Spirit
entering into the family of God
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
filling our lives with grace
a holy stain on our skin
by water the make, the sign of the king
branded and claimed by the presence of God
dying and rising, anointed and redeemed
by the water and by the Spirit
entering into the family of God
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Speaking of Grace
Offering witness, bearing testimony
speaking of the presence, tangible, real
God’s grace made known to each one
in the songs of creation, of all the senses
Regal in the sacred rituals, the rites,
the sacraments and the sacred moments
of the body of Christ
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
speaking of the presence, tangible, real
God’s grace made known to each one
in the songs of creation, of all the senses
Regal in the sacred rituals, the rites,
the sacraments and the sacred moments
of the body of Christ
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Filled with the Utter Fullness of God
A desire, for God’s love in our hearts
filled with the utter fullness of God
coursing through our lives, our veins
leading our steps, our actions
guided by the Spirit at work in us
aware of God’s hand on creation,
in the lives of others and our daily walk
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
filled with the utter fullness of God
coursing through our lives, our veins
leading our steps, our actions
guided by the Spirit at work in us
aware of God’s hand on creation,
in the lives of others and our daily walk
April 25 and April 28, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Crown of Thorns, Crown of Glory
He who was in glory, crowned on his throne
falling, coming down from on high
humbling himself, growing, walking
being reborn in the commissioning
up out of the dirty waters
out into the land, to the people
living to fulfill
to reveal himself
the true Messiah
dying as he lived,
a servant of God
exchanging thorns for glory.
April 26 and April 27, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
falling, coming down from on high
humbling himself, growing, walking
being reborn in the commissioning
up out of the dirty waters
out into the land, to the people
living to fulfill
to reveal himself
the true Messiah
dying as he lived,
a servant of God
exchanging thorns for glory.
April 26 and April 27, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
In the Posture of Prayer
His body, his face, in a posture of prayer
emotion no longer visible
truly dying to himself, utterly
praying in peace, a mask of death
as if fallen into himself
listening for the answer,
the call of God to go, to serve.
April 26 and April 27, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
emotion no longer visible
truly dying to himself, utterly
praying in peace, a mask of death
as if fallen into himself
listening for the answer,
the call of God to go, to serve.
April 26 and April 27, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Measuring Time
Calibrating, capturing, measuring time
even set apart, following His call
moving, step by step
from grace, to grace, to grace
walking with Christ
in conscious, planned, coordinated strides
on the road home
back into our Father’s arms.
April 26 and April 27, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
even set apart, following His call
moving, step by step
from grace, to grace, to grace
walking with Christ
in conscious, planned, coordinated strides
on the road home
back into our Father’s arms.
April 26 and April 27, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Decide to Pray
A conscious decision, entering into prayer
bowing, kneeling, humbled before our God
raising joys, praise and thanksgiving
choosing to spend time with the Lord
to call on Him, to listen to His voice
our greatest fears, our innermost desires
honest prayers even when words will not come
deciding to pray, to come into the presence of the Lord.
April 26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
bowing, kneeling, humbled before our God
raising joys, praise and thanksgiving
choosing to spend time with the Lord
to call on Him, to listen to His voice
our greatest fears, our innermost desires
honest prayers even when words will not come
deciding to pray, to come into the presence of the Lord.
April 26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
The Colors of God’s Love
Grace upon Grace flowing down from heaven
into the eyes, the hearts of the believers
from the hands, the hearts of our brothers, our sisters
the colors of God’s love
a cascade, living waters,
washing over our trembling hearts
pouring down, a libation, like anointing oils
feeling the joy, the hope, the love
shared with us each day
active means of grace
the living vibrant colors of God’s love.
April 26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
into the eyes, the hearts of the believers
from the hands, the hearts of our brothers, our sisters
the colors of God’s love
a cascade, living waters,
washing over our trembling hearts
pouring down, a libation, like anointing oils
feeling the joy, the hope, the love
shared with us each day
active means of grace
the living vibrant colors of God’s love.
April 26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
We Must be Open
All of our days, on the journey of life
we must be open, available
living with a willing heart
open to God’s call, personal, to us
Calling each one of us, individually, by name
to ministry, to service, to go
Going in the name of the savior
to walk as his disciples; to do his work.
April 26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
we must be open, available
living with a willing heart
open to God’s call, personal, to us
Calling each one of us, individually, by name
to ministry, to service, to go
Going in the name of the savior
to walk as his disciples; to do his work.
April 26, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
The Smell of His Blood
Raising the bread from the chalice
the wine splashing
running down my hand
the smell of his blood
as I sat in prayer
after the sharing the
bread and the cup
Tangible, real memory
washing over me,
as the tears ran down my face
The sacrifice of the savior
made real once again,
in the smell of his blood
lingering on my trembling hands.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
the wine splashing
running down my hand
the smell of his blood
as I sat in prayer
after the sharing the
bread and the cup
Tangible, real memory
washing over me,
as the tears ran down my face
The sacrifice of the savior
made real once again,
in the smell of his blood
lingering on my trembling hands.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
The Fragrance of His Life
Bowing my head, my life
after receiving the bread, the wine
my fingers knitted in prayer
lowering my face, to my hands
the fragrance of his life
washing over me,
in that moment, that instant
the bread, the wine,
an aroma of his sacrifice
mixing with my tears
falling onto my folded hands
trembling in silent prayer.
after receiving the bread, the wine
my fingers knitted in prayer
lowering my face, to my hands
the fragrance of his life
washing over me,
in that moment, that instant
the bread, the wine,
an aroma of his sacrifice
mixing with my tears
falling onto my folded hands
trembling in silent prayer.
April 25, 2009
“The Fragrance of His Life”
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A.
Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011,
2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 22,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Calling Me
The calling of God
a personal message from the Lord
giving opportunities to minister, to serve
spreading God’s message of Love.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
a personal message from the Lord
giving opportunities to minister, to serve
spreading God’s message of Love.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
An Urgent Word
Speaking to me, a specific message
an urgent word, for this moment
this very moment
the words of scripture
the message in the daily devotional
For us, all of us this morning
words of peace, of affirmation
that this path is justified
the joy of being with Your
you alone, my God, my savior.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Talk #6, Grow through Study
and Ephesians 3:13-14
Upper Room
an urgent word, for this moment
this very moment
the words of scripture
the message in the daily devotional
For us, all of us this morning
words of peace, of affirmation
that this path is justified
the joy of being with Your
you alone, my God, my savior.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Talk #6, Grow through Study
and Ephesians 3:13-14
Upper Room
Always Nervous
Always nervous, butterflies in the belly
standing trembling, to share the word of God
Called to preach, to share God’s love;
but ever trembling, the Spirit burning
submitting himself, giving his all
to speak a message, given by God
April 4 and April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and comment by participant
in Advanced Lay Speaker training
standing trembling, to share the word of God
Called to preach, to share God’s love;
but ever trembling, the Spirit burning
submitting himself, giving his all
to speak a message, given by God
April 4 and April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
and comment by participant
in Advanced Lay Speaker training
Pausing for the Stranger
The two pilgrims, going home
their hope being tested
Pausing for the stranger
stopping on the road to Emmaus
walking with the Christ, sharing
being taught by the savior
though he was unknown to them
Blessed in the sharing,
his presence made known.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
their hope being tested
Pausing for the stranger
stopping on the road to Emmaus
walking with the Christ, sharing
being taught by the savior
though he was unknown to them
Blessed in the sharing,
his presence made known.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
A recipe for Piety
At our table, gathering, Luke
searching the scriptures, the lessons
for a recipe for a life, lived in piety
blending undivided attention, focused on the Lord
a full measure of time, spending our days with him
with a pinch or more of authenticity, all we are.
Add complete honesty, to ourselves and God;
offer our whole life, not a mere piece;
add depth of our worship, diving into the living waters
and a dash of spiritual direction, to keep us on our path.
Bake in an oven of prayer, the crucible of our hearts.
Serve liberally, as a servant, with a side of action.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
searching the scriptures, the lessons
for a recipe for a life, lived in piety
blending undivided attention, focused on the Lord
a full measure of time, spending our days with him
with a pinch or more of authenticity, all we are.
Add complete honesty, to ourselves and God;
offer our whole life, not a mere piece;
add depth of our worship, diving into the living waters
and a dash of spiritual direction, to keep us on our path.
Bake in an oven of prayer, the crucible of our hearts.
Serve liberally, as a servant, with a side of action.
April 25, 2009
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Throughout Our Lives
Never tiring, never resting
ever wooing us
pursuing us, courting us
calling to us
throughout our lives
waiting ever for us
to say yes to God.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Psalm 23:6
ever wooing us
pursuing us, courting us
calling to us
throughout our lives
waiting ever for us
to say yes to God.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Psalm 23:6
Grace in Waiting
God’s grace, a cloud of grace
surrounding us, always waiting
from before we are born
wooing each person, pursuing
wanting a relationship
ever available, waiting
God’s grace ready when we say yes,
when we accept his unmerited love
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
surrounding us, always waiting
from before we are born
wooing each person, pursuing
wanting a relationship
ever available, waiting
God’s grace ready when we say yes,
when we accept his unmerited love
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Not on Stone Alone
New words, covenant
between the people and God
written not on stone alone;
instead engraved
on each beating heart
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Jeremiah 31:31-34
between the people and God
written not on stone alone;
instead engraved
on each beating heart
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Jeremiah 31:31-34
While Yet Sinners
A reminder, in the words of the letter
words of grace made clear
while yet sinners, God showed us love
showering us with grace upon grace
acting unilaterally, giving us a gift
the sacrifice, taking on the mantle of our shame
dying for us, regardless of our response
dying so that we may live
even if we never make the choice
to repent and return to him
while still in the far off country
the Father opened the way,
his arms opened wide for us all.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Romans 5:6-11
and story of the Prodigal Son
words of grace made clear
while yet sinners, God showed us love
showering us with grace upon grace
acting unilaterally, giving us a gift
the sacrifice, taking on the mantle of our shame
dying for us, regardless of our response
dying so that we may live
even if we never make the choice
to repent and return to him
while still in the far off country
the Father opened the way,
his arms opened wide for us all.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Romans 5:6-11
and story of the Prodigal Son
Defeating Death
Christ is risen;
his love, his act of sacrifice
obedience to the cross
his resurrection active,
living, in real-time,
defeating death,
active, current, still.
Our lives, in the act of saving
a process continuing now.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
his love, his act of sacrifice
obedience to the cross
his resurrection active,
living, in real-time,
defeating death,
active, current, still.
Our lives, in the act of saving
a process continuing now.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Amen is not enough - revised
The pastor’s words on receiving the bread
on sharing the wine
broken for me, shed for me
Amen is not enough
Not enough at all
to explain the awe,
the utter humbling joy
of the gift from God
Maybe the right response
the only appropriate answer
to this agape love
is pure silence.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
on sharing the wine
broken for me, shed for me
Amen is not enough
Not enough at all
to explain the awe,
the utter humbling joy
of the gift from God
Maybe the right response
the only appropriate answer
to this agape love
is pure silence.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Amen is not enough
The pastor’s words on receiving the bread
on sharing the wine
broken for me, shed for me
Amen is not enough
Not enough at all
to explain the awe,
the utter humbling joy
of the gift from God
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
on sharing the wine
broken for me, shed for me
Amen is not enough
Not enough at all
to explain the awe,
the utter humbling joy
of the gift from God
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
In Silence
In silence, in reverence, in prayer
A stillness, serenity calling us, each of us
sitting, expectantly, silently
being in His presence, His candle lit
prayerfully centered, reverently waiting
Calming ourselves, set apart
letting the early-morning sun
wash over me, this page
writing these few lines
a murmur in my spirit
wondering what will be
on this journey this day
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
A stillness, serenity calling us, each of us
sitting, expectantly, silently
being in His presence, His candle lit
prayerfully centered, reverently waiting
Calming ourselves, set apart
letting the early-morning sun
wash over me, this page
writing these few lines
a murmur in my spirit
wondering what will be
on this journey this day
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
A joy, not a duty
All of this, the perspective
looking with new eyes
a joy, not a duty
communing, walking with God
Like his brother, unaware
not understanding his father’s love
Never leaving, ever sharing
living with his father
in his father’s house always
all He has, shared.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
and the elder son in
the story of the Prodigal Son
looking with new eyes
a joy, not a duty
communing, walking with God
Like his brother, unaware
not understanding his father’s love
Never leaving, ever sharing
living with his father
in his father’s house always
all He has, shared.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
and the elder son in
the story of the Prodigal Son
The Covered Cup
The simple table, set, waiting
natural cloth smoothed over the surface
A loaf, a cup shrouded
simple white linen draped
a lone candle, burning, aglow
the light in the darkened space
Prepared and ready, the table set
a covered cup, the covered bread
the sacrifice of the Lord
shrouded in white
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
natural cloth smoothed over the surface
A loaf, a cup shrouded
simple white linen draped
a lone candle, burning, aglow
the light in the darkened space
Prepared and ready, the table set
a covered cup, the covered bread
the sacrifice of the Lord
shrouded in white
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Proclaimed in His Name
The message of love
repentance and forgiveness
all of this, the fulfillment
of the prophecy of old
the Son come down
the lamb slain
and the King arisen
All of these things
revealed in his life
proclaimed to all the earth
Proclaimed in his holy name
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
repentance and forgiveness
all of this, the fulfillment
of the prophecy of old
the Son come down
the lamb slain
and the King arisen
All of these things
revealed in his life
proclaimed to all the earth
Proclaimed in his holy name
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
The Message to Share
Repentance and forgiveness
in his name,
so was the message
of those timid disciples
emboldened by the Spirit
The same message we share
emboldened by the same Spirit
Giving us the power,
the words God would have us share
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
in his name,
so was the message
of those timid disciples
emboldened by the Spirit
The same message we share
emboldened by the same Spirit
Giving us the power,
the words God would have us share
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
Empowered by the Spirit
He told them to wait
to stay in this place
to wait upon the Lord
until they became
clothed with power from above
Foretelling the coming
the commissioning of the Spirit
when they would be emboldened
empowered to spread the Good News
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
Acts 2:1-21
Pentecost
to stay in this place
to wait upon the Lord
until they became
clothed with power from above
Foretelling the coming
the commissioning of the Spirit
when they would be emboldened
empowered to spread the Good News
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
Acts 2:1-21
Pentecost
In His Name
He told them, beginning their commissioning
that they, these men, these women, his sheep
being readied, the scripture revealed
proofs of the fulfillment in his life
being made ready, to proclaim the message
to go to all the nations
to preach repentance and forgiveness
to go emboldened, to speak in his name
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
that they, these men, these women, his sheep
being readied, the scripture revealed
proofs of the fulfillment in his life
being made ready, to proclaim the message
to go to all the nations
to preach repentance and forgiveness
to go emboldened, to speak in his name
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
Their Minds Opened
Like Cleopas and the other
after the long apprenticeship
the years of his ministry
at the Master’s feet
Their minds opened
ready, as if for the first time,
the words of their teacher
the risen Christ with them
all of the scripture, the holy word
his life in fulfillment
of all that had been foretold
the scales lifted, their eyes aware
their eyes opened
to the grace of God
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
after the long apprenticeship
the years of his ministry
at the Master’s feet
Their minds opened
ready, as if for the first time,
the words of their teacher
the risen Christ with them
all of the scripture, the holy word
his life in fulfillment
of all that had been foretold
the scales lifted, their eyes aware
their eyes opened
to the grace of God
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
Everything Fulfilled
Christ himself telling them
stating boldly because they could comprehend
everything fulfilled
the law, the prophets, the psalms
all that had been foretold
all that had been written
all of these things come to pass
a blessed moment
understanding the gravity
the joy of that revelation
everything fulfilled
the Messiah had come
and the breach had been sealed.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
stating boldly because they could comprehend
everything fulfilled
the law, the prophets, the psalms
all that had been foretold
all that had been written
all of these things come to pass
a blessed moment
understanding the gravity
the joy of that revelation
everything fulfilled
the Messiah had come
and the breach had been sealed.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
Stay Here
Like birds still in the nest
not yet ready for flight
Stay here, in the holy city
do not venture out
too dangerous, too much at stake
stay here, inside,
studying, preparing
for power from above
for the coming of the Spirit
to empower and embolden you.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
not yet ready for flight
Stay here, in the holy city
do not venture out
too dangerous, too much at stake
stay here, inside,
studying, preparing
for power from above
for the coming of the Spirit
to empower and embolden you.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
Clothed with Power from Above
The coming of the Spirit
the flames of Pentecost
the breath of life from God
foretold by the living Messiah
the risen Lord after his rising
clothed with power from above
a new person, a new mantle
the Spirit like a robe, protecting
like a new skin on the disciples
transforming, emboldening
soon to come, wait
until you have been made ready.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
the flames of Pentecost
the breath of life from God
foretold by the living Messiah
the risen Lord after his rising
clothed with power from above
a new person, a new mantle
the Spirit like a robe, protecting
like a new skin on the disciples
transforming, emboldening
soon to come, wait
until you have been made ready.
April 24, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
What a Moment
what a moment
that must have been
their minds open
finally, truly, eternally
understanding the Lord
the risen shepherd, the Christ
teaching those who could learn
the disciples in preparation
made ready, alive
for their ministry to come
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
that must have been
their minds open
finally, truly, eternally
understanding the Lord
the risen shepherd, the Christ
teaching those who could learn
the disciples in preparation
made ready, alive
for their ministry to come
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:44-49
Tend the Fire
We must tend the fire
the flames of the Spirit
burning within our hearts
never letting the fire
to be quenched or put out
Within us, growing
if we tend, care for the fire
the guiding of Christ’s love
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Thessalonians 5:12-22
Thessalonians 5:19
the flames of the Spirit
burning within our hearts
never letting the fire
to be quenched or put out
Within us, growing
if we tend, care for the fire
the guiding of Christ’s love
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Thessalonians 5:12-22
Thessalonians 5:19
Carried Up
Even as he was giving a blessing
only known to the faithful
gathered there with him
Christ was carried up,
rising to his glory in heaven
finishing his time on earth
rising up from the dust
returning to the courts of the Lord
The Son returning to the Father
Exalted at the right hand of God.
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:50-53
only known to the faithful
gathered there with him
Christ was carried up,
rising to his glory in heaven
finishing his time on earth
rising up from the dust
returning to the courts of the Lord
The Son returning to the Father
Exalted at the right hand of God.
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:50-53
Surrendering to These Days
Changing our focus
leaving the outside world behind
giving ourselves over
surrendering to these days
Opening ourselves, our hearts
to the calling of the Lord
walking with the risen Christ
on that old dusty road.
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
leaving the outside world behind
giving ourselves over
surrendering to these days
Opening ourselves, our hearts
to the calling of the Lord
walking with the risen Christ
on that old dusty road.
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Changing the Words
Sacred, solemn words
of the ritual meal
changed by the Master
in the breaking of the bread
sharing this cup, in remembrance
remembering not the Passover,
the freedom from slavery
remembering, inside, instead
the loving sacrifice
of the Lamb of God
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
of the ritual meal
changed by the Master
in the breaking of the bread
sharing this cup, in remembrance
remembering not the Passover,
the freedom from slavery
remembering, inside, instead
the loving sacrifice
of the Lamb of God
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
At the Table with Them
Sitting with them,
in their home, at the end of the day
at the table with them, a stranger no more
being the host, in the blessing of the loaf,
in the breaking and in the sharing
Revealing himself, in the simple acts
their eyes opened, understanding suddenly
in that moment alone, something changed
as the master had in the Upper Room, changing the liturgy
revealing his passion, his sacrifice
in the breaking of the bread
at the table with them
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:30-31
in their home, at the end of the day
at the table with them, a stranger no more
being the host, in the blessing of the loaf,
in the breaking and in the sharing
Revealing himself, in the simple acts
their eyes opened, understanding suddenly
in that moment alone, something changed
as the master had in the Upper Room, changing the liturgy
revealing his passion, his sacrifice
in the breaking of the bread
at the table with them
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:30-31
Leaving the World
Slowly, purposely
sharing, praying for him, for us
quieting ourselves, centering
beginning to leave the world
to let go of the day to day
to become a people set apart
commissioned and blessed
to be focused on this time
to be present, available
servants, slaves, to the Master’s call
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
sharing, praying for him, for us
quieting ourselves, centering
beginning to leave the world
to let go of the day to day
to become a people set apart
commissioned and blessed
to be focused on this time
to be present, available
servants, slaves, to the Master’s call
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Turning the Soil
under the overcast sky, blue/gray
the wet brown soil, not yet furrowed rows
the corn stubble of last year
a pair, working in the field
turning the soil
solitary, small, against the roadside
tilling by hand
a piece of the flood plain
preparing for a planting
still yet to come
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
the wet brown soil, not yet furrowed rows
the corn stubble of last year
a pair, working in the field
turning the soil
solitary, small, against the roadside
tilling by hand
a piece of the flood plain
preparing for a planting
still yet to come
April 23, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Monday, April 27, 2009
Healing Moments
In dying to ourselves,
peeling our masks off,
bare, raw, pure authentic emotion
sharing with our brothers, our sisters
True disciples, gathering up nets
to be fishers of men
But first, starting with ourselves
looking at our current condition
honesty, with courage, with joy
letting go, giving it to God
and walking into the community
April 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
peeling our masks off,
bare, raw, pure authentic emotion
sharing with our brothers, our sisters
True disciples, gathering up nets
to be fishers of men
But first, starting with ourselves
looking at our current condition
honesty, with courage, with joy
letting go, giving it to God
and walking into the community
April 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus