If it’s fight-or-flight, I’m not much of a fighter. I mostly fly. So when I read these words by poet John Martin, I knew they were meant for me. See if they’re meant for you. Bear In Mind by John Martin A bear is chasing me through a meadowand I’m running as fast as I […]
Despite Our Best Efforts, the Holy Spirit Actually Comes
The Holy Spirit had a trick up her sleeve this morning—thankfully. I needed it. On the Feast of Pentecost I had slipped into my wonted pew for the 8:00 service, the early gathering I prefer precisely for its quiet and lack of crowds, and immediately I had the sense I often have at religious festivals. […]
A Counsel Against Self-Condemnation–From a Bird
I awake to a clatter at the back door. Erratic rapping on glass. I come down to investigate and find a scarlet cardinal sitting on the railing, then flying beak first into the all-glass door. A flutter and crash, regrouping on the railing, head cocking this way and that, then attacking the glass again, and […]
Joining a Club to which You Do Not Wish to Belong
“It was a mess—my whole life just sort of ended.” I hear this as I pour the woman another cup of tea. She’s not talking to me, but to another woman. I am just the server, but I overhear their conversation. “I couldn’t take care of the kids, my husband’s job wouldn’t let up.” Pam […]
The Abandoned Child
All I expected from Hola Cuban Café was a good Cuban sandwich. I got that, but I also received a life story that was incomparable. We placed our order and were sitting at a table on the porch, waiting. The Florida sun felt good. At the other table a man was also on hold. He […]
Epitaph on a Tyrant
Epitaph on a Tyrant W.H. Auden (1907-1973) Perfection, of a kind, was what he was after,And the poetry he invented was easy to understand;He knew human folly like the back of his hand,And was greatly interested in armies and fleets;When he laughed, respectable senators burst with laughter,And when he cried the little children died in […]