Shadow Reflections

I walked home from the stars

last night, and found upon my way

a branch, as an elderly hand in sway,

its shadow on the wall made scars.

Painted limb appeared more real

than the mesh of winter twigs

twining about in grey-green sprigs;

the shade-tree’s lines dark enough to feel.

I pondered how I would like to be

a clear shadow on history’s wall,

though I could only grapple with the Fall,

redemption shown in depths of two, not three.

All we are is but flickering shade—

yet in this season of Bright Sadness,

even shadows reflect in crisp blackness,

the glory of the King, fresh made.

Lent Week 1: Entrance

Introit: Entrance

(Lent Week One)

Chill and dank

Is my soul

—Emotions, mind, will—

Closed, under ground;

I'm hiding here

In my sin

Frustrated, and unsure

How to escape

Holy Doors barred,

Soul windows shuttered

In many here

Sitting on pews

Or kneeling down

Before the altar

In rote movements

Receiving bread & wine.

Ancient doors: Open!

Fling wide all

The heart gates

And enter in!

King of Glory,

Illumine what in

Me is dark—

Be my Liberty

Make me vulnerable

And free within,

Shining Your light

Into every crevice,

Making me resplendent.

I am incandescent,

Blazing with Your
Holiness, like starlight

Enter the universe

—Too small to

Fully hold You—

By entering me,

Tabernacle set apart,

Replete with You

In my body,

Soul, and spirit.