Today's word is "xylography" (zahy-LOG-ruh-fee) ... The art of engraving on wood, or of printing from such engravings. (Dictionary.com)
East
Once, at the beginning of our time,
the world, already created, existed in perfection.
But it was without intelligent conversation.
A lot of growls, and chirps and wild-eyed looks.
But no words. And then the creator had a new thought.
What if we made a someone in our image?
Someone who could carry on with the creating,
and be our friend. So he did. Like a master
xylographer, he made a copy. Of his likeness.
With his characteristics. And for a while, he was enough.
But then, God realized this new creature was alone.
And lonely. So from the man, he made another to
keep him company and be his friend. Which she was.
And from then on, through thick and thin, they
lived and loved and struggled together. Even after
they had made their most grevious mistake, and
had to leave the beautiful garden, they held hands,
knowing that if they had each other they would
be all right.
Anne Selleck
copyright 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Panacea
Today's word is "panacea" ... A cure-all. (Dictionary.com)
Better
Sometimes I wish for one big thing,
To bring us peace and light,
Chase the darkness far away,
Despite love's requite.
That this panacea could come from man,
Is not something to expect,
We've proven to ourselves enough,
All that we touch gets wrecked.
But by God's grace there's more to see,
Than what meets the eye,
With faith in him, the impossible becomes,
Reasonable and wise.
And Selleck
Copyright 2014
Better
Sometimes I wish for one big thing,
To bring us peace and light,
Chase the darkness far away,
Despite love's requite.
That this panacea could come from man,
Is not something to expect,
We've proven to ourselves enough,
All that we touch gets wrecked.
But by God's grace there's more to see,
Than what meets the eye,
With faith in him, the impossible becomes,
Reasonable and wise.
And Selleck
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Hippophile
Today's word is "hippophile" ... "One who loves horses." (Dictionary.com)
Trot
When I was small, I thought a horse,
Would be a perfect pet.
I could see myself upon his back,
Riding as far as I could get.
Our neighbor rode around a ring,
At some mysterious school,
And smelled of hay and horsie things,
Which I thought was very cool.
But such a luxury as that,
Would not be mine to see,
Because extra money we had not,
And responsibilities.
So being a good hippophile,
I did not give up my quest,
But collected porcelain foals and mares,
The most beautiful and best.
Though I couldn't climb upon their backs,
Or feed them oats and hay,
In imagined fields we romped and rode,
Until the end of day.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Trot
When I was small, I thought a horse,
Would be a perfect pet.
I could see myself upon his back,
Riding as far as I could get.
Our neighbor rode around a ring,
At some mysterious school,
And smelled of hay and horsie things,
Which I thought was very cool.
But such a luxury as that,
Would not be mine to see,
Because extra money we had not,
And responsibilities.
So being a good hippophile,
I did not give up my quest,
But collected porcelain foals and mares,
The most beautiful and best.
Though I couldn't climb upon their backs,
Or feed them oats and hay,
In imagined fields we romped and rode,
Until the end of day.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Catharsis
Today's word is "catharsis" ... "The purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music.
Turn
They say there's a time for everything,
That's under the sun up high,
For being kind or making war,
For giggles or for sighs.
Mean people seem to come out on top,
More than their fair share,
Perhaps some catharsis on their part,
Would cause them to show more care.
But, until that revelation bright,
Shines into their darkened hearts
We'll have to wait in patient hope,
For love to find its mark.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Turn
They say there's a time for everything,
That's under the sun up high,
For being kind or making war,
For giggles or for sighs.
Mean people seem to come out on top,
More than their fair share,
Perhaps some catharsis on their part,
Would cause them to show more care.
But, until that revelation bright,
Shines into their darkened hearts
We'll have to wait in patient hope,
For love to find its mark.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Plash
Today's word is "plash" ... "A gentle splash" (dictionary.com)
Basket
I'm longing for a picnic,
But it'll have to be quick.
The sky is dark and full of wind,
The plash of rain will soon again
Come down.
Besides. Snow's still on the ground;
A place to sit will not be found,
And unless it warms up very soon,
There'll be no picnic here this noon,
Or ever.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Basket
I'm longing for a picnic,
But it'll have to be quick.
The sky is dark and full of wind,
The plash of rain will soon again
Come down.
Besides. Snow's still on the ground;
A place to sit will not be found,
And unless it warms up very soon,
There'll be no picnic here this noon,
Or ever.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Coxcomb
Today's "coxcomb" ... "A conceited, foolish dandy; pretentious fop." (Dictionary.com)
Chicken
He came in with his big tall hat,
He said, "What do you all think of that?"
We said, "We're sure that we don't know."
(We were wishing he'd just go!)
He thought he was funny, he thought he was cool,
We thought that he had absolutely no rules,
He believed everything that he said,
We thought he'd just gone soft in the head.
So we put up with his nonsense all year long,
And listened to him sing the same old song,
Then one day that old coxcomb left in a huff,
Which was just fine with us, 'cause we'd had enough.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Chicken
He came in with his big tall hat,
He said, "What do you all think of that?"
We said, "We're sure that we don't know."
(We were wishing he'd just go!)
He thought he was funny, he thought he was cool,
We thought that he had absolutely no rules,
He believed everything that he said,
We thought he'd just gone soft in the head.
So we put up with his nonsense all year long,
And listened to him sing the same old song,
Then one day that old coxcomb left in a huff,
Which was just fine with us, 'cause we'd had enough.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Vigilant
Today's word is "vigilant" ... "Keenly watchful to detect danger; wary." (Dictionary.com)
Sun?
Just when you thought it was safe,
To take off your boots for a day,
Snow fell all around in the night,
And got in everyone's way.
Even the most patient of us,
Has had enough cold weather now,
We're no longer vigilant, waiting,
To hear the comforting noise of the plow.
We're ready for robins and tulips,
For sunshine warm on our faces,
Seeds germinating in gardens,
And lunches in warm, outside places.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Sun?
Just when you thought it was safe,
To take off your boots for a day,
Snow fell all around in the night,
And got in everyone's way.
Even the most patient of us,
Has had enough cold weather now,
We're no longer vigilant, waiting,
To hear the comforting noise of the plow.
We're ready for robins and tulips,
For sunshine warm on our faces,
Seeds germinating in gardens,
And lunches in warm, outside places.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Fussbudget
Today's word is "fussbudget" ... "A fussy or needlessly fault-finding person." (Dictionary.com)
Tuff
I want it my way, or that old highway,
Cause I know what's best, more than the rest,
And I will be sadly, or maybe act badly,
Until things are changed or arranged in my favor.
A fussbudget, you think, reading this ink,
But my ideals have appeal to my frame of mind,
And whatever your druthers, or even your mother's,
They'll rarely compare fairly to mine.
So, before you fight me with all of your might,
I'd advise you to carefully check out my size,
I'm a bully most fully when I wine and complain,
And it will take all your makeup to beat me.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Tuff
I want it my way, or that old highway,
Cause I know what's best, more than the rest,
And I will be sadly, or maybe act badly,
Until things are changed or arranged in my favor.
A fussbudget, you think, reading this ink,
But my ideals have appeal to my frame of mind,
And whatever your druthers, or even your mother's,
They'll rarely compare fairly to mine.
So, before you fight me with all of your might,
I'd advise you to carefully check out my size,
I'm a bully most fully when I wine and complain,
And it will take all your makeup to beat me.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Philately
Today's word is "philately" ... The collecting of stamps and other postal matter as a hobby or an investment." (Dictionary.com)
Folly
We do things to pass the time,
When we don't want to think,
We knit and bowl and read things,
Draw with pencil and with ink.
Activities like philately or dice,
Do our attentions hold,
Games with balls or playing cards,
Also help the hours unfold.
I wonder if later we'll regret,
These things that we have done,
And wish something more substantial,
Had been done instead of fun.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Folly
We do things to pass the time,
When we don't want to think,
We knit and bowl and read things,
Draw with pencil and with ink.
Activities like philately or dice,
Do our attentions hold,
Games with balls or playing cards,
Also help the hours unfold.
I wonder if later we'll regret,
These things that we have done,
And wish something more substantial,
Had been done instead of fun.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Guile
Today's word is "guile" ... "Insidious cunning in attaining a goal; crafty or artful deception; duplicity."
(Dictionary.com)
Who
In the play, the actors fake, gentility or rage,
The gamut of our feelings there,
The turn of head; the look of dread,
Artful, composed upon the stage.
It comes from working with their craft,
And real emotions buried,
Properly deceived, we then are freed,
Reality unhinged, we laugh.
Is this willingness to leave our lives,
A guileful mirror of us all ...
The terror wild, sympathy mild,
As we become what we would hide.
Only for a moment we descend,
Into this world intense,
Where we forget, though knowing yet,
The true parts to which we bend.
Anne aselleck
Copyright 2014
(Dictionary.com)
Who
In the play, the actors fake, gentility or rage,
The gamut of our feelings there,
The turn of head; the look of dread,
Artful, composed upon the stage.
It comes from working with their craft,
And real emotions buried,
Properly deceived, we then are freed,
Reality unhinged, we laugh.
Is this willingness to leave our lives,
A guileful mirror of us all ...
The terror wild, sympathy mild,
As we become what we would hide.
Only for a moment we descend,
Into this world intense,
Where we forget, though knowing yet,
The true parts to which we bend.
Anne aselleck
Copyright 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Noetic
Today's word is "noetic" ... Of or pertaining to the mind.
Turn
Some of us are known to be
Of noetic nature,
Surrounded by our books and thoughts,
no page ever a stranger.
Yet thinking does not invariably
Make life easier to live,
Or bring us closer to God's grace,
Or cause us our will to give.
But, all those ideas carefully laid
Out upon the altar. And weighed
With spirit's discerning power,
May prevent a fatal falter.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Turn
Some of us are known to be
Of noetic nature,
Surrounded by our books and thoughts,
no page ever a stranger.
Yet thinking does not invariably
Make life easier to live,
Or bring us closer to God's grace,
Or cause us our will to give.
But, all those ideas carefully laid
Out upon the altar. And weighed
With spirit's discerning power,
May prevent a fatal falter.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Totem
Today's word is "totem" ... "A natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed to be the emblem of a clan, family, or group." (Dictionary.com)
Syllable
Light came to life,
Energy to matter,
Chaos to order,
Entropy confused.
Bringing the Word,
the Breath, the Spirit,
into the spiritless.
Birthing hope, and
promise and love
and all good things.
No totems or wooden
ideas. No purposeless design.
But the same wonder
woven around and
through all nature and
created things. Enough
for every eye to see.
For every heart to feel.
For every mind to
discover, if it wills.
So that the improbable
becomes possible at
last. And the material
holds together in that
which is, unbelievably,
invisibly, more than
we can imagine.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Syllable
Light came to life,
Energy to matter,
Chaos to order,
Entropy confused.
Bringing the Word,
the Breath, the Spirit,
into the spiritless.
Birthing hope, and
promise and love
and all good things.
No totems or wooden
ideas. No purposeless design.
But the same wonder
woven around and
through all nature and
created things. Enough
for every eye to see.
For every heart to feel.
For every mind to
discover, if it wills.
So that the improbable
becomes possible at
last. And the material
holds together in that
which is, unbelievably,
invisibly, more than
we can imagine.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Susurrant
Today's word is "susurrant" (soo-SUR-hunt) ... Softly murmuring; whispering. (Dictionary.com)
Grow
Oh I can hardly wait until
The snow has stopped and winds are still.
And susurrant waves upon the beach,
Play happily there, and out of reach.
I know the cold will soon retreat,
And everyone will be upbeat,
As warmth removes our coats and boots,
And we watch new shoots come from roots.
We've forgotten underneath the ground,
Spring's surging energy's always found,
Making ways that can't be seen,
To recreate the the world in green.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Grow
Oh I can hardly wait until
The snow has stopped and winds are still.
And susurrant waves upon the beach,
Play happily there, and out of reach.
I know the cold will soon retreat,
And everyone will be upbeat,
As warmth removes our coats and boots,
And we watch new shoots come from roots.
We've forgotten underneath the ground,
Spring's surging energy's always found,
Making ways that can't be seen,
To recreate the the world in green.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Venerable
Today's word is "venerable" ... Commanding respect because of great age. (Dictionary.com)
Lucky
She showed me how to turn a hem,
and sew evenly around,
so that the stitches wouldn't show
and the garment would be bound.
She made apples sweet with sugar brown,
and fritters on the New Eve,
a sandwich with two kinds of bread,
all my hunger to relieve.
He watched baseball by the hour,
and peeled apples into curls.
I watched them fall into the bowl,
by the fireplace unfurled.
Grandparents of the sternest kind,
yet filled with love and care,
I venerate in my old age,
as people wise and rare.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Lucky
She showed me how to turn a hem,
and sew evenly around,
so that the stitches wouldn't show
and the garment would be bound.
She made apples sweet with sugar brown,
and fritters on the New Eve,
a sandwich with two kinds of bread,
all my hunger to relieve.
He watched baseball by the hour,
and peeled apples into curls.
I watched them fall into the bowl,
by the fireplace unfurled.
Grandparents of the sternest kind,
yet filled with love and care,
I venerate in my old age,
as people wise and rare.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Eire
Today's word is "Eire" ... The Irish name of Ireland. (Dictionary.com)
Photon
Darkness rolls in on clouds.
The sun, hidden, but not forgotten,
sends its rays on and on anyway.
It burns, unrelenting, despite
the flimsy attempt of the
atmosphere to stop it. Trees
wait. For snow to melt. For
birds to sing. For the touch
of light which will coax them
back to life. And then, green
as Eire, the world will spin
with joy again.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Photon
Darkness rolls in on clouds.
The sun, hidden, but not forgotten,
sends its rays on and on anyway.
It burns, unrelenting, despite
the flimsy attempt of the
atmosphere to stop it. Trees
wait. For snow to melt. For
birds to sing. For the touch
of light which will coax them
back to life. And then, green
as Eire, the world will spin
with joy again.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Phenom
Today's word is "phenom" ... A phenomenon, especially a young prodigy. (Dictionary.com)
Grow
Ordinary people, together pray.
Sure that their combined willingness
to embrace their common problem
will create a path for power and
healing to travel. A phenom is not
needed or expected. Ordinary people,
in this place, become more than they
are. More beautiful and compassionate.
More patient. And complete. More
Christlike. More.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Grow
Ordinary people, together pray.
Sure that their combined willingness
to embrace their common problem
will create a path for power and
healing to travel. A phenom is not
needed or expected. Ordinary people,
in this place, become more than they
are. More beautiful and compassionate.
More patient. And complete. More
Christlike. More.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Triumverate
Today's word is "triumvirate" ... Any group or set of three. (Dictionary.com)
Shake
Some disasters, it is said,
are more triumphant than
victories. It did not seem that way
when a triumvirate of crosses
appeared up on a hill ... two
Thieves bracketing a savior.
Of course, in those moments
Then, the earth shook as if
it would break open in its pain,
But, if anyone could have seen into the future,
they would have known all earthly
suppositions turned upside down.
And all the victories realized up 'till then,
would indeed pale against the reality of that
that pain-filled interval.
Anne aselleck
Copyright 2014
Shake
Some disasters, it is said,
are more triumphant than
victories. It did not seem that way
when a triumvirate of crosses
appeared up on a hill ... two
Thieves bracketing a savior.
Of course, in those moments
Then, the earth shook as if
it would break open in its pain,
But, if anyone could have seen into the future,
they would have known all earthly
suppositions turned upside down.
And all the victories realized up 'till then,
would indeed pale against the reality of that
that pain-filled interval.
Anne aselleck
Copyright 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Contiguous
Today's word is "contiguous" ... (kuhn-TIG-yoo-uhs), touching; in contact. (Dictionary.com)
Gone
The greatest mystery of our time,
A plane that's lost without a ryhme
Or reason, to a land or sea unknown,
Untouched by radar, radio or phone.
We wait for news of those aboard,
With those who love them and adore,
Our prayers contiguous in their power,
Fly 'round the world this solemn hour.
If will could cause them to appear,
They'd come forth in moments, mere,
And joy would overwhelm us all,
With bright sounds and happy call.
But, now anxiety holds sway,
We hold our breath for one more day,
Until we hear truth in our ears,
We'll be held captive by our fear.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Gone
The greatest mystery of our time,
A plane that's lost without a ryhme
Or reason, to a land or sea unknown,
Untouched by radar, radio or phone.
We wait for news of those aboard,
With those who love them and adore,
Our prayers contiguous in their power,
Fly 'round the world this solemn hour.
If will could cause them to appear,
They'd come forth in moments, mere,
And joy would overwhelm us all,
With bright sounds and happy call.
But, now anxiety holds sway,
We hold our breath for one more day,
Until we hear truth in our ears,
We'll be held captive by our fear.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Thingamajig
Today's word is "thingamajig" ... a gadget or other thing for which the speaker does not know or has forgotten the name. (Dictionary.com)
Stitch
We had a machine made for sewing,
But it was old ... and new,
From grandma's home to our table,
We didn't know what to do.
So we headed for the computer,
Where Youtube was sure to inspire,
And there was a girl with the knowledge,
All we had to do was inquire.
She showed us how to begin then,
Pointing at the thingamajig with a giggle,
We found ours and followed directions,
It fit with a bit of a wiggle.
It's amazing how we share knowledge,
Around the earth with such speed,
Find everything when we want it,
And fill each niggling need.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Stitch
We had a machine made for sewing,
But it was old ... and new,
From grandma's home to our table,
We didn't know what to do.
So we headed for the computer,
Where Youtube was sure to inspire,
And there was a girl with the knowledge,
All we had to do was inquire.
She showed us how to begin then,
Pointing at the thingamajig with a giggle,
We found ours and followed directions,
It fit with a bit of a wiggle.
It's amazing how we share knowledge,
Around the earth with such speed,
Find everything when we want it,
And fill each niggling need.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Claptrap
Today's word is "claptrap" ... Pretentious but insincere or empty language. (Dictionary.com)
Persuade
All the secrets of the world were his.
He said so repeatedly. And his
opponents in debate felt the disdain
he had for them as he spoke over
them and interrupted, and like
a grand inquisitor questioned
them without mercy. Making
them feel foolish with his
claptrap, though they knew the
errors of his arguments. His
bullying ways betrayed the
weakness of his thought.
And his ingratitude the
smallness of his character.
The intellectual battle may
have been won, but the
battle for his soul was
on full display.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Persuade
All the secrets of the world were his.
He said so repeatedly. And his
opponents in debate felt the disdain
he had for them as he spoke over
them and interrupted, and like
a grand inquisitor questioned
them without mercy. Making
them feel foolish with his
claptrap, though they knew the
errors of his arguments. His
bullying ways betrayed the
weakness of his thought.
And his ingratitude the
smallness of his character.
The intellectual battle may
have been won, but the
battle for his soul was
on full display.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Fervent
Today's word is "fervent" ... Intensity of feeling, great warmth, enthusiasm.
Drip
Waking to blushing blue sky and
winter loosing its tenacious grasp
at last ... 'til today held with the
fervency usually reserved for new love.
But, now, ice mushes underfoot, its
remains bleeding translucently down
the nearest slope. Leftover snowmen
also die to ground. No funerals for
those accidental tourists. There may yet
be an attempt at regaining the upper
hand by some rogue storm. But we
have read the signs. Spring is on
the move and nothing short of
the nature's laws undone
will stop it.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Drip
Waking to blushing blue sky and
winter loosing its tenacious grasp
at last ... 'til today held with the
fervency usually reserved for new love.
But, now, ice mushes underfoot, its
remains bleeding translucently down
the nearest slope. Leftover snowmen
also die to ground. No funerals for
those accidental tourists. There may yet
be an attempt at regaining the upper
hand by some rogue storm. But we
have read the signs. Spring is on
the move and nothing short of
the nature's laws undone
will stop it.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Geomancy
Today's word is "geomancy" ... Divination by geology!
Strata
Digging through the earth,
Finding fingerprints of God,
Geomancy rules!
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Strata
Digging through the earth,
Finding fingerprints of God,
Geomancy rules!
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Synergy
Today's word is "synergy" ... A combination of elements which become greater than the sum of their parts.
Oh!
What could we do if we all listened.
To the still, small, voice that
whispers above the noise of our
behavior? What if, for one day,
we all followed our best inclinations.
Said the kind thing. Performed acts
of mercy and unselfishness. You know,
waited calmly in line. Helped someone
on the side of the road. Listened to
what the members of our families
we're trying to say. Treated our customers
as if they were really, really important.
Didn't shoot, or rob, or steal, or blow
anything or anyone up. Would the
synergy of our combined goodness
evolve our world in one fell swoop
into utopia, or at least into a single
grand epiphany of wonder?
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Oh!
What could we do if we all listened.
To the still, small, voice that
whispers above the noise of our
behavior? What if, for one day,
we all followed our best inclinations.
Said the kind thing. Performed acts
of mercy and unselfishness. You know,
waited calmly in line. Helped someone
on the side of the road. Listened to
what the members of our families
we're trying to say. Treated our customers
as if they were really, really important.
Didn't shoot, or rob, or steal, or blow
anything or anyone up. Would the
synergy of our combined goodness
evolve our world in one fell swoop
into utopia, or at least into a single
grand epiphany of wonder?
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Cognizant
Today's word is "cognizant" ... Aware.
Blind
One way conversation ...
no cognizance of anyone else
in the room. Except as a face
to talk to. So many stories to
tell. So much life lived. Oh,
how to fit it all in!
But, what if you are the
one left to listen? Will you
remain patient ... and ask
even more questions; probe
to find an interesting detail?
Will you enjoy the situation
or will you run away to that
that place in your head where
your smile is genuine?
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Blind
One way conversation ...
no cognizance of anyone else
in the room. Except as a face
to talk to. So many stories to
tell. So much life lived. Oh,
how to fit it all in!
But, what if you are the
one left to listen? Will you
remain patient ... and ask
even more questions; probe
to find an interesting detail?
Will you enjoy the situation
or will you run away to that
that place in your head where
your smile is genuine?
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Fallacy
Today's word is "fallacy" ... A deceptive, misleading, or false notion, belief, etc.
Tension
How can such wrath be ignited
by a perceived fallacy? An idea
in opposition. A different opinion.
Friends find themselves on
opposite sides. Enemies find
reasons to refuse to compromise.
The will to be right overcomes
any sense of fair play. My way
or nothing at all. You are wrong.
Therefore you have no right to
speak or act, or even think the thing
you're thinking. This arrogance
is sure to cause trouble sooner
or later. Stop. Think. Become
the other. Turn the idea around
and look at it from the other
side. Maybe there is one fragile
point that might be expanded
to fit the odd-shaped
void between the
two of you.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Tension
How can such wrath be ignited
by a perceived fallacy? An idea
in opposition. A different opinion.
Friends find themselves on
opposite sides. Enemies find
reasons to refuse to compromise.
The will to be right overcomes
any sense of fair play. My way
or nothing at all. You are wrong.
Therefore you have no right to
speak or act, or even think the thing
you're thinking. This arrogance
is sure to cause trouble sooner
or later. Stop. Think. Become
the other. Turn the idea around
and look at it from the other
side. Maybe there is one fragile
point that might be expanded
to fit the odd-shaped
void between the
two of you.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Wayfarer
Today's word is "wayfarer" ... A traveler, especially on foot.
Hmmm
Class to class, video to video,
conversation to conversation,
book to book. The path from
one idea to another is seldom
straight. And the side-roads
are many. And every opinion
is tainted by preconceptions.
Bias is everywhere. How to
get to the Truth is a battle.
Tired wayfarers who refuse
to give up until understanding
breaks through must be
tenacious. They must weigh
this concept, that perception,
who it is who speaks.
No wonder some stop
thinking. Bread and theater
seem to fill a life full.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Hmmm
Class to class, video to video,
conversation to conversation,
book to book. The path from
one idea to another is seldom
straight. And the side-roads
are many. And every opinion
is tainted by preconceptions.
Bias is everywhere. How to
get to the Truth is a battle.
Tired wayfarers who refuse
to give up until understanding
breaks through must be
tenacious. They must weigh
this concept, that perception,
who it is who speaks.
No wonder some stop
thinking. Bread and theater
seem to fill a life full.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Cockalorum
Today's word is "cockalorum" ... A self-important little man.
Big Z
He was at the top of his game.
Collecting money from all the
folks in town with the full weight
of the government behind him.
And, of course he got a little extra
for his trouble. He was the object
of hate and ridicule ... a cockalorum.
But one day he heard a commotion.
That famous preacher was coming
through town and there was a frenzy
of activity. He had to see.
Dust. Noise. Too many people.
And he couldn't see around them.
So he found a perch in a Sycamore.
Where he could observe.
The preacher came near. And
stopped. And called his name.
And invited himself to dinner.
And they ate. He and the preacher
and their friends. And they spoke.
And the preacher talked about
the love God has for his people.
And for him. And something
shifted into place.
The little man became new. He
smiled for the first time in a
long time. And breathed a sigh
that felt like relief. Then he
walked into a new day.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Big Z
He was at the top of his game.
Collecting money from all the
folks in town with the full weight
of the government behind him.
And, of course he got a little extra
for his trouble. He was the object
of hate and ridicule ... a cockalorum.
But one day he heard a commotion.
That famous preacher was coming
through town and there was a frenzy
of activity. He had to see.
Dust. Noise. Too many people.
And he couldn't see around them.
So he found a perch in a Sycamore.
Where he could observe.
The preacher came near. And
stopped. And called his name.
And invited himself to dinner.
And they ate. He and the preacher
and their friends. And they spoke.
And the preacher talked about
the love God has for his people.
And for him. And something
shifted into place.
The little man became new. He
smiled for the first time in a
long time. And breathed a sigh
that felt like relief. Then he
walked into a new day.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Hoodwink
Today's word is "hoodwink" ... To trick or deceive.
Change
Long ago and far away
someone was hoodwinked.
Or, at least allowed themselves
to be influenced in a way
that changed our history
forever. We had no choice
in that mystery's arising.
But now are tasked with
the most unusual mission.
To press into the Spirit
of God until we change
into his likeness. So
that anyone who looks
on us will see his nature.
We will try and try. And
we will be helped along
if we listen carefully
for our instructions. It's
a minute by minute
proposition.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Change
Long ago and far away
someone was hoodwinked.
Or, at least allowed themselves
to be influenced in a way
that changed our history
forever. We had no choice
in that mystery's arising.
But now are tasked with
the most unusual mission.
To press into the Spirit
of God until we change
into his likeness. So
that anyone who looks
on us will see his nature.
We will try and try. And
we will be helped along
if we listen carefully
for our instructions. It's
a minute by minute
proposition.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Caveat
Today's word is "caveat" ... A warning or a caution.
Path
This following may not be easy.
There were promises of peace,
and yet, a caveat that it may
not be the peace we were
hoping for. The way he spoke
made this world seem temporary
as the words he breathed but full of
something that wouldn't ...
couldn't die. Though we are caught
between the now of our lives,
and the past that was his, the
future he said he was
and is preparing, beckons
us to come and see.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Path
This following may not be easy.
There were promises of peace,
and yet, a caveat that it may
not be the peace we were
hoping for. The way he spoke
made this world seem temporary
as the words he breathed but full of
something that wouldn't ...
couldn't die. Though we are caught
between the now of our lives,
and the past that was his, the
future he said he was
and is preparing, beckons
us to come and see.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Epitome
Today's word is "epitome" ... A person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class. (dictionary.com)
Repent
We fail and fail again,
Not doing what we should,
Doing what we know
we should not. We
really don't deserve
this grace. This grace
offered free. We are
given that, and an
example in the one
who is the epitome
of our human kind.
It seems impossible
that we should even
strive. But we are
asked to become.
And then, powered
by a Spirit most True,
can choose the path
that leads to the place
we imagined we
could not go.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Repent
We fail and fail again,
Not doing what we should,
Doing what we know
we should not. We
really don't deserve
this grace. This grace
offered free. We are
given that, and an
example in the one
who is the epitome
of our human kind.
It seems impossible
that we should even
strive. But we are
asked to become.
And then, powered
by a Spirit most True,
can choose the path
that leads to the place
we imagined we
could not go.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Lingua Franca
Today's word is "Lingua Franca (LING-gwuh FRANG-Kuh) ... any language that is widely used as a means of communication among speakers of other languages.
Cathedral
In this place secluded,
candles burn and chorded
music breathes its way
through pipes of steel.
There is a lingua franca
murmured softly between
saint and saint ... of spirit
and of sacrifices made.
Here, to those preoccupied
with the unseen, evil for
the moment seems at bay
and bound and peace reigns
in souls given over
to love.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
Cathedral
In this place secluded,
candles burn and chorded
music breathes its way
through pipes of steel.
There is a lingua franca
murmured softly between
saint and saint ... of spirit
and of sacrifices made.
Here, to those preoccupied
with the unseen, evil for
the moment seems at bay
and bound and peace reigns
in souls given over
to love.
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014
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