Refining Words

ROLE

High priest Caiphas

spoke God’s word

of truth despite

selfish plan instead now

adhered to true sovereign's will.

Could not see beyond

human power yet performed

his role in history

and lost soul’s desire.

Heart can only serve self or Son.

John 11

Refining Words

HAVEN

Trembling we hide

in dark warm shelter,

take a deep breath

slowly creep toward

a thin crack of light.

shudder in dismay

as enemies approach

too vast, too strong-

no escape.

Suddenly realize

a barrier is set

invisible throughout

the light. Haven now

impenetrable. Lean

in relief against wall,

recognize your hand

holding us. Forever-

we rest.

John 10

Refining Words

ACCUSATIONS

Under Shakespeare’s deft

hand a comedy perhaps

had he written this scene

verbal ping pong, slapstick

humor, repetitive dialog.

In reality a tragedy

as each person sought

answers apart from responsibility

or Common sense, accusations

sought a target instead of truth.

Denied man’s healing

saw only rules-rules

broken on holy Sabbath

but not the miracle of vision

contained in worship.

John 9

Refining Words

DRAINED

Inner pulse of recognition

leads wanderer home

like animal instincts follow

homing design woven in creation.

For each creation a thread,

a hope, a light

capable of ignition

when faced with truth.

Unless drained of honesty,

empty-incapable of restoration

devoid of power

except lies.

Layer by layer

deadened in void

until connected to one

incapable of deception.

Holds a burning wick.

John 8

Refining Words

HIDING

Perfect body, hair

make-up. Magazine

photo in designer clothes.

Hiding bruises, scars

battered self-esteem,

abuse.

Wall of perfection

keeps people distant.

Always ready with a smile,

a joke, encourages friend

‘keep the faith.’

Never serious enough

silent enough to respond

ask concern for well-being.

Broken heart, aching tears

hidden behind postured postcard.

We walk on by, unwilling--

unable--to pierce appearances,

bridge façade and bear hope.

John 7

Refining Words

HERO

Stories, legends, myths,

songs abound convey

heroes’ courage,

bravery-sacrifice.

All an image

symbol of one only.

Whose hands bestow

True words to fulfill

Soul fed lives

Own story for eternity

John 6

Refining Words

FOOD

At what point did awe

recede?

First a miracle performed,

hunger appeased

with gratitude received.

Then the potential drove crowds

to seek Him over distance,

dangerous waters.

Greed for perishable

food.

Forgot manna’s history

one day’s needs at a time.

Heart hunger ongoing.

Worship alone sustains

hope.

John 6

Refining Words

SCANDAL

Scandalized

Shaken to the core

Sabbath Healing!

Swept away the mystery

Scrutinized miracle

Smothered awe

Sacrilege made public

Sterile priesthood.

John 5

Refining Words

QUESTION

Despair or hope?

which drew the blind,

lame, paralyzed to

Beth-zatha’s pool.

To seek release

from illness or from scorn

chance of healing or

community of peers

“Do you want to be

made well?”

question shook

invalid to his core

A choice. Long years

day by day came in

pain, situation hopeless

always another before him

Today a different

opportunity, new hope

listened

stood up—walked.

John 5