25 October 2019

a finger on it


I can't quite put a finger on it
to quote an old cliche
I carry the emotions
given to me, full force by my Creator
often swept away
cresting waves then
crashing, gulping water instead 
of air, my head submerged
He gives me hills
and valleys, both
to  be savoured

physical pain, shifts
surprising me, in new 
locations, disguises
tones and echos, almost
symphonic in fullness
always its finger on me
unrelenting grip, does this
hurt? how about here?

He gives me hills 
and valleys, both
but dwells with me
up there and down here

 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; 
do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. 
I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; 
yes, I will hold you up and retain you 
with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.


09 October 2019

too too soon


the beginning of 2014
January through April, perhaps a bit of May
winter slipped under the doors
painted pictures on the windows
while we were lost in dreams
of a life hotter, fuller in Africa
and in August that same year
we left the prairies below us as we flew away
there were visits back
2016, 2018 but always summer
never did I miss the ice
the bitter winds
or the snow, no
not at all
yet, today I find myself here
the sky dull
constant cloud cover 
dripping rain and yes,
snow,  early October
shivering deep beneath my skin
winter hardly begun
the long season of fleece
down, woolly socks and hot tea
is upon me and the thought
of hibernation tantalizes
new snow tires on the vehicle
but oh, if I had my way
I'd remain inside
until Spring's thaw
months and months from here