Too serious to be serious

Writing is an art
and a craft
a gift
and a responsibility
When I surrender
I am a pen in His hands

We have work to do
says my Lord
There are words to be shared
my God insists

Yes, it is work
that He calls me to
but often I believe what He wants
is for me to take all the words
toss them up in the air
and mark where they land
keeping my hands off
allowing Him to play

This is too serious to be serious
Holy Spirit whispers

Joining Lyla today as we continue to discuss L. L. Barkat's
Rumors of Water at Tweetspeak Poetry



 

Unique spice

Years of sorrow, yes

moments of pure joy

laughter light and shivering

silver chimes adrift

water rushing over jagged rock

all these has He given me

in a voice at once His and mine

Words are a gift
I've snapped up
with hunger
and with greed

Do I write like I speak

or speak like I write?

When you read my words

on pages, or screens

do you also hear your own voice
rattle in your head?

I am all that I have heard

all that I have read

tossed and seasoned

by the hand of the Master

creating a blend of spice
both hot and sweet

and even when I would wish

to taste like someone else

my flavor remains

unique on your tongue.

So much of what you hear

is my "self"
surrendered.

Joining Lyla of A Different Story as she leads us in discussions of L. L. Barkat's Rumors of Water.  This week we're talking about finding our voice.  Join us at TweetSpeak Poetry

 

Copper Kettles for Rumors of Water

Lyla Lindquist of A Different Story is leading us in a study of L. L. Barkat's Rumors of Water

I tossed some words about in the air and this is how they landed --

Copper kettles
cold as ice
water waits without a hint
of movement

None of the boiling
needed
for my cinnamon tea
sweet with
red hot chili bite

Tongue touches lips
salivating
water cold as ice
in copper kettles
full and silent

Words wait
no hint of movement
to be poured fresh
steaming

I must use
what I have
but first
turn on the flame

Begin to begin


Stop by Tweetspeak Poetry to join the conversation!


 

Books for Christmas

I was blessed to be born into a family that loves to read.  Books were valued, cherished and are still given more often than any other gifts.

If you feel the same, here are a few outstanding new books that would be perfect to wrap up for your favourite people.  Don't forget to keep a copy of each for yourself too!

Glynn Young, a constant encourager of other writers has written his first novel Dancing Priest that I have not yet had the opportunity to read, yet I can recommend it, knowing the power of his words.  It is available here at amazon.com in both paperback and digital versions.  Visit Glynn at his blog Faith, Fiction and Friends or his novel page.

There is never a wrong time to give copies of Billy Coffey's novels.  His new book Paper Angels was released in November and should not be missed.  You can read more about this delightful novel at Billy's site.  While you're there, wander about and read his blog, I'm certain you'll be captivated.

And then there is the new book on writing by author and poet L. L. Barkat.  Rumors of Water: Thoughts on Creativity & Writing speaks into the heart and spirit of anyone who feels God's call to pick up a pen or lay hands on the keyboard.  You can find L. L. at her blog Seedlings in Stone or at The High Calling where's she is an editor or at Tweetspeak Poetry and T. S. Poetry Press

These should help you finish up your shopping, or perhaps cause you start all over again!