magic depends upon believing

and in the dingy hotel room
the ***** in a red dress
the poet and the pen

*** without love

manuscripts that no publisher will read

she removes her earrings
puts them on the bible
on the night stand

and he throws her down
on the ink stained mattress like
a bouquet of dead roses

he beats her

tenderness
is the old woman
in the alley
covering herself with garbage
to keep warm

tenderness is the wolf and the lamb

he rips off her red dress
and he climbs up the mountain
through the ice and snow

tenderness is the wolf kissing the lamb

but
if we can find
magic
between warm thighs
that lock us in
tightly
tenderly
like our mother's arms
keeping us from death
if we can laugh
walking along that thin wire
where shadow and life marry
where the lions wait
in the witchwood of our dreams
where angels sing and dogs howl
if we can smile
at children playing  
and sometimes cry,
if we feel the warmth
from someone elses hand

then I say.

pump.

deep and fast
between empty eyes
that can hold
no wonder any longer,
climb up through the
ice and snow
and never be found,
and when you get to the top
of that mountain
keep climbing

magic depends upon believing

It’s late April
spring is in full swing
bursting with life
the tree lifts its arms,
waves across the field,
its leaves full of light
flutter in perfect rhythm
with the wind.

The train is leaving the station
the years gathering toward my finish line.
Each season a child frantically
waving at his grandpa
as if to whimper
this might be the last time.

The Earth sky draws dark
The torment of Thy
It was the Hour, Minute and moment Sacrifice
The Lord being beaten and torn
Being forced to wear thorns
The cross standing tall being set
Heavy Rain and Thunder adding to the effect
The flash of lightning being the words from Heaven
The sacrifice begins
Birth to end
Jesus praying and speaking words of gestures during his final hours hanging on the cross
His last words “It is Done”
The Lord’s mission was completed, but we still have a beginning to fulfill in the gospel
He rose from the grave redeeming our souls
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
Easter being the day of Revelation
We are the image of the Lord’s creation
The Savior is the Present, Tomorrow and Future
We are connected in Spirit and Truth
Blessed it is all who believe
Don’t let the Devil take over and deceive
Risen above all

Father in Heaven, Giver of breath,
I am tainted by my prideful lust,
Wearied as I run toward death.
Kneeling knowing "dust to dust."
Were I to beg you slay the wicked,
My death I'd call for you to give.
Lord, hear the cry of one so wretched,
Tortured now, who begs to live.
Despite my wretchedness, I know
Surrender as I see your Image pressed.
Make whole this desperate soul,
Lift me to live in holy rest.

Amen