Restless Hearts

We are like vultures,
fallen,
searching for that which,
though dead,
would feed us.

We fill our stomachs
full of empty sweetness
that seems to satisfy.

That which we hunger for,
that which would feed us
is You and You alone.

You gave us yourself.
Your death, given for us,
is made alive again
to nourish and strengthen us
to give us life
for the journey--
to remain with us
until the end
of time.

The angel holds the flaming sword
and cringing, I am forced to see
myself in its gleaming blade

Double edged,
it reveals the past and present
in inescapable oneness,
laying bare the stinging truth
before my weary soul

Life

as fleeting as a butterfly
as time turns
the masterfully crafted wings
to powder

as tenacious as a spider web
clinging to the bush
or the wall
with a strength
we did not know
it possessed

Falling Plum

The tiny jade plum
forms on the spring branch,
hungering for the sun's warmth.

Growing, the skin
accommodates the change,
turning delicious
shades of magenta--
amethyst jewels in the early morning sunlight.

Finally, the ripe plum falls,
joining the others
on the ground,
the seed within
fed by the rotting fruit.

Flashback

Memories of stupidity
come up
like yesterday's dinner
sudden
and unwelcome.

Where is the
medicine
for my brain?

Where is the
Pepto Bismol
for my soul?

Sandwich

I come and do the usual.

I pay the bills,
although first I
must search for them
where you have squirreled them away
like acorns
against a cold winter.

I do the dishes
although this merely involves
loading and unloading the dishwasher.

I do the laundry,
trying to push away
feelings of guilt
because I know
my standards
and abilities
are way below
what yours were.

I open the fridge
to throw away old milk
and decide that it must be cleaned--
a chore I don't do nearly often enough
at home.

I make you sandwiches
from the meat and
various shaped breads
that comes from
the ladies
from Meals on Wheels.

I explain that the check
in your purse
that you guard so jealously
is one from a year ago
and has already been deposited
and returned
by the bank.

I try
to keep you
safe.

Sin

I look inside
and see
the worm of sin
that is eating
my soul.

Oh, Jesus!
Break the bonds
of sin
that have entangled me.

Help me to be
a generous servant
to your people.