Refining Words

CHOSEN

Chosen to bear words

to the world

silent and spoken truth

continue work.

Rarely received

with open arms.

Rejected—rebuffed

left wounded.

Called to serve

follow worn path

give comfort

compassion seeds.

John 15

Refining Words

BRANCHES

Embers glow

sparks scatter

like fireworks

in the sky unexpected

snaps, quick crackle

of dry branches

devoid of sap

end fruit bearing days.

Bruised branches now

pruned hear—sigh

still abide.

Growth comes again

in time.

John 15

Refining Words

KNEELS

Love kneels to wash

away the dirt-

layers clogging heart,

mind, soul.

Refreshed by care

soothed by presence,

held close until restored

again and again without

ceasing.

Beyond end of days;

Love kneels.

John 13

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