Some Poetry

Ceal and I spent a delightful weekend in Knoxville with the Southern Appalachian Young Friends (SAYF). The theme of the retreat was "Creativity" and explored how the working of the Spirit is manifested in our creativity. One workshop was devoted to writing with an emphasis on haikus, and I thought I would share the things I wrote. The first is closer to a sonnet than a haiku:

The Spirit whispers softly in my soul
the still, small voice that spoke to men of old
but when it speaks I do not always hear
amidst my roaring selfishness and fear

In silent worship, gathered to His call
the loving spirit covers over all
and in the quiet is my soul's release
to float in streams of everlasting peace

Oh God, I know there's nothing I can do
but let my soul be drawn in love to you
there's nothing in this world I need to know
to follow you is simply to let go

And here are the haikus:

Whispered messages
into the souls in worship
some hear, some do not

A smile and a hug
can fill the soul with more joy
than words ever can

Walking in the light
God will open in you streams
of living water