Sunday, June 22, 2014

The Shepherd's Voice




When I was fresh from God
the sound of fear rang in my ear
my own voice as life hit me and I cried.

As I grew through the years
the chorus of temptation
beckoned me to come and sing a part.

The confusion that the bustle brings,
the pretty song the siren sings,
the sound of teeth against forbidden fruit.

                                                                                    A fallen man who screams in pain;
a groaning earth beneath the strain.

Who could hope to ever hear the truth?

But Jesus was the name
that rolled from my mother's tongue...    
...and settled in my heart.

So you see what I'm listening for,
through all the noise,
a whisper in my ear--




The Shepherd's Voice






adapted from Ricky Skaggs








Sunday, June 8, 2014

The fire burns


As I am finishing shaving I remember my friends statement about his wife--

"The fire is gone but shoulder to shoulder, we walk through this life."

I walk softly over to the edge of the bed and watch as you quietly breathe.


Unable to resist I slowly run my fingers across your serene face. The strand of hair curling behind your ear runs across your alabaster cheek and through my hand.  My eyes focus as I lean closer amazed at your beauty.

Does the fire of romantic love have to die with time?

My fingers feather down your gently curved leg slowly to your toes. The effleurage deepens your slumber so I whisper in your ear, “Come my love.  Open those emerald eyes.”


As I lightly tug at your fingers you slowly slip your smooth feet onto the floor and reach for my shoulders. Resting your head  across my chest your soft auburn hair cascades down. I feel your heart beating next to mine.

As you ease open your eyes, I gaze into them closely trying to plumb their depth but it is like the boundless mysterious ocean.  I can only stand in amazement and quietly say,

 “Good morning, my princess. "

"Happy eighteenth anniversary.”