Rident ... Shout

Today's word is "rident" ... Laughing, smiling, cheerful. (Dictionary.com)

Shout 

The children are running. Rident ...

From the fireworks, with screams.

Blasts of color fill the sky. Sparkling.

Exploding. Shooting out of sight.

(Or worming slowly on the ground,

Looking for all the world as if

They're smoking into life from 

The underworld.) Their cries are

All for fun. As if the color and noise

Might scoop them up and carry them

Far from home never to return.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Smirch ... Save

Today's word is "smirch" ... To discolor or soil; a dirty mark or smear, as of soot, dust, dirt, etc. (dictionary.com/)

Save
We are besmirched,

Broken from the beginning,

Yet redeemed by love.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Clement ... Judge

Today's word is "clement" ... Mild or merciful in disposition or character; lenient, compassionate: a clement judge reduced his sentence. (Dictionary.com)

Judge 

Who would you choose to follow,

Of leaders you have known,

Those who wield great power,

Turn water into stone?

Whose motives would you trust,

When chaos rears its head,

And neighbor turns on neighbor,

As into confusion we are lead?

If you're not sure that clemency,

Is the path to peace,

What is it that you'd suggest,

To make this warring cease?

Since everyone is broken,

In heart or soul or mind,

Would it not make sense,

To follow one who's kind,

Who's spirit lives within us,

Who's message brings us cheer,

Who's power's not of this world,

Who'll bring his kingdom here?

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Environs ... Tracks

Today's word is "environs" ... the surrounding parts or districts, as of a city; outskirts; suburbs. Surrounding objects; surroundings; environment. (Dictionary.com)

Tracks

Do you ever think that where you are

Is where you're meant to be?

Or do think that accident 

determines what you see?

Sometimes when you look 'round about,

At people next to you,

You might remember past events,

That have kept them near and true.

Whatever the state of your environs,

One thing is nearly sure,

Things will change or stay the same,

By what you choose to do.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Blithesome ... Dig

Today's word is "blithesome" ... Lighthearted; merry; cheerful: a blithesome nature. (Dictionary.com)

Dig

Through the fence and into the park,

With all of our dogs, some who bark,

Some who run and chase a stick,

Some who hide or bounce real quick.

All of them happy, even blithesome,

None returning when we yell, "Here! Come!"

People should be so spontaneous,

We'd be much too tired to fume and fuss.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Peckish ... Quick!

Today's word is "peckish" ... Somewhat hungry. (Dictionary.com) Chiefly British informal.

Quick!

Overnight fasting,

Makes me feel peckish.

I need food. Right now!

Anne Selleck

Garboil ... Make

Today's word is "garboil" ... Archaic. Confusion. (dictionary.com)

Make

Creativity, it appears, comes

with chaos. Litter. Frenzy.

Garboil. It comes of necessity.
To keep flow going, some things ...

everything that does not

contribute to the making,

is shoved aside. For later.

And it will wait. Because those

things, although important too,

(I guess) do not require 

enthusiasm. 

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Droke ... Green

Today's word is "droke" ... A valley with steeply sloping sides. (dictionary.com)

Green
Sometimes I remember
mountains rocky, and drokes
filled with pines planted
at the beginning of time.
We walked through the
switchbacks, feeling very small.
We inhaled the scent of their mystery
and felt our powerlessness in
the face of their majesty. The
world is truly old and we are
but visitors, tolerated for a while.
That nature will prove herself,
in the end, to have the power
of new life, no matter what
we frail but boastful humans
imagine we can create
or destroy.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Arsy-varsy ... Fold

Today's word is "Arsy-varsy"... Wrong end foremost; completely backward: Arsy-vary way of doing things. (dictionary.com)

Fold
Like sheep, we go our own way.
Indeed. Nibbling on the fresh grass,
wandering wherever our wants take us.
Even when we have the uncomfortable inkling
that things may not turn out so well,
we follow our noses.

But we are not sheep. And they might
well be insulted, if they could understand.
After all. They are doing what comes naturally.
We, on the other hand, choose our destinies,
one moment at a time, determining
whether we will rest beside still waters or
find ourselves bleating, all alone, on
some desolate cliff. Maybe not for the first time.

So, in our arsy-varsy way of 
looking at the world, we might
well question whether the shepherd
misses us, or will come for us. Hanging
on for dear life we know we're at his mercy.
But, hanging on for dear life, we might not
notice how he never loses us at all.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Epithalamion ... Tribute

Today's word is "epithalamion" ep-uh-thuh-LEY-mee-on ... A song or poem of a bride and bridegroom. (Dictionary.com)

Tribute
It's said that at the end of time,
God's city will come down,
From heaven to the earth and then,
The true king will be crowned.

A wedding will commence that day,
(The romance has begun),
There will be praise and singing,
And an epithalamion.

Then all souls will bend before,
The love who's always been,
And we will see the joy of faith,
And hear the great Amen.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Agrarian ... Scratch

Today's word is "agrarian" ... Rural; agricultural.

Scratch

Sneaking up on chickens,
Is not an easy thing,
You have to be most quiet,
Do not talk or sing.

Though you only want to pet them,
Stll they will not stay,
You reach out to touch one,
She runs for the hay.

Funny little chickens,
With their bwaks and clucks,
The agrarian life is tough,
Say, can you pet a duck?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Flak ... Jeremy

Today's word is "flak" ... Criticism; hostile reaction; abuse. (dictionary.com)

Jeremy

He was so small, standing on first base.

He could barely see from under his too-big

ball cap. He looked to the sky. Looked all

around. Stood, back to home plate, not

really concerned with the child at bat.

Not worried about taking flak for not

paying attention. Oblivious to all

the rules of the game and his small

part in it. Probably wishing he could

just run and play. Hard to imagine

all ball players start out this way,

but will grow, as do we all, into

their skills. Day by day becoming.

Anne  Selleck

Copyright 2014

Scofflaw ... Twelve

Today's word is "scofflaw" ... A person who flouts the law, especially one who fails to pay fines owed. ... A person who flouts rules, conventions, or accepted practices. (dictionary.com)

Twelve

He wanted to be one of them.

In fact, he was chosen to go along ...

to follow the master. Hand picked.

Trusted ... enough to carry the

common purse ... and dole out

money for food and what not.

(He only took some for himself

when absolutely necessary.)

And the idea of overthrowing

the current establishment was

attractive too. But things went wrong.

Some misunderstanding about

the kind of kingdom that was

coming and had come. That's when the

scofflaw showed his true colors,

exchanging his future in the

Kingdom of God, for silver ...

a bargain with the devil

realized too late in 

anguish. 

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Transfigure ... Awake

Today's word is "transfigure" ... To change in outward form or appearance; transform. To change so as to glorify or exalt. (dictionary.com)

Awake
We've watched as bare trees
Wrapped themselves in green,
Snow seeped back into earth,
Birds returned from southerly adventures,
Bugs found their way to light and skin.
Days have grown long and we have
Grown complacent within all this
Transfiguration of death to life ...
As if no miracle has occurred.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Gallinipper ... Oh!

Today's word is "gallinipper" ... Any of various insects that sting or bite, especially a large American mosquito, Psorophora ciliata. (dictionary.com)

Oh!
Thinking I was fine,
Sin poked unprovoked,
Like a gallinipper bite.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Beget ... Us

Today' word is "beget" ... (Especially of a male parent) to procreate or generate (offspring). to cause; produce as an effect: a belief that power begets power.

Us
When God rested, on that first sabbath,
all was good, was good. But I wonder ...
had he exhausted all his options?
Run out of ideas, for animals and plants,
and universal moral truths? Was he
satisfied? For the moment. When he looked at his
new world? Did he ... does he, have more
projects going? More worlds to make
and save? Or are we the only
apple of his eye? His really, truly bride.
If so. It would be amazing wouldn't it?
That within all that begettting, we were
intended to be the crowning achievement.
And that despite our wanderings, and
our infidelity, he wants us back.
Apparently, he's not whole without us,
anymore than we are without him.
What do you say when the maker
of the universe chooses you for
his own?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Zedonk ... Warm

Today's word is "zedonk" ... The offspring of a zebra and a donkey.

Warm
Sweatered on the beach,
I felt odd as a zedonk,
No one was watching.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Ambulant ... Ride

Today's word is "ambulant" ... Moving from place to place.

Ride

We climbed on the bicycle, the four of us,

It would be better with four, easier.

The day was bright and sunny, a perfect day,

For a gentle ride around the park.

We began to peddle. It was a bit more difficult

Than we first imagined. But we started down

The path that was a loop. And then, a downward 

Hill, and no stopping at the stop sign. But just

In time, we did. And then the hill. We peddled

Slower and slower until we were no longer

Ambulant. And had to get off and walk 

And push. The loop seemed longer. We

Began again, laughing at our out-of-shape-selves.

Panting. Many hills later we finally spied the

End of the trail. This would be remembered 

Fondly, but not repeated for a very long

Time. Ah, we're not getting any younger.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Gloze ... Shut

Today's word is "gloze" ... To explain away; extenuated; gloss over (usually followed by over).

(dictionary.com)

Shut

In this world of sin,

It seems details are hidden,

Glozed by deceit's shine.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Foray ... Staples

Today's word is "foray" ... A quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder. (dictionary.com)

Staples 

Out of everything again,

No bread, no milk, no eggs,

It happens every day or so,

And then I have to beg,

Someone to please make a foray,

To challenge all the aisles,

And bring me things to cook and bake,

That will make their tummies smile.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Prevaricator ... Breaking

Today's word is "prevaricator" ... (Pri-VAR-I-key-ter) a person who speaks falsely; liar.

Breaking

Those other guys. You know. The politicians,

criminals, religious types. They're the ones

who bend the truth 'til it meets itself coming

and going. How can they? Don't they have 

any scruples? And it's so obvious. Anyone 

can see they're prevaricating. Yet, they

think we can't see what's right in front

of our eyes. 

What log? I don't know what you're 

talking about. I only stretch the truth

a little. My violations are miniscule

compared to theirs. Compared to most

anyone really. Sometimes the things

I say are accidentally misinterpreted.

I only mean the best ... I only speak

when I think someone else really 

needs to hear it ... I really mean
no harm ... I only say what

needs to be said. I didn't

think I'd hurt anyone.

I certainly didn't

intend anything bad ...

I didn't think ...

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Strident ... Evil

Today's word is "strident" (STRAHYD-nt) ... Making or having a harsh sound; grating; creaking: strident insects. (dictionary.com)

Evil

His strident speech was loud

and obnoxious. He kept repeating

the same old talking points ... he

seemed to think that repitition

was the same thing as reason.

But many could see through the

rhetoric to the truth. They were

not sure, however what to do

about him. Because he was powerful.

So they sat together in confusion.

Hoping that somehow an

answer would appear. In that

mean time, they would wait and

listen for the whisper that would

teach them how to go on.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Prate ... Squawk

Today's word is "prate" (preyt) ... To talk excessively and pointlessly; babble; They prated on until I was ready to scream. To utter in empty or foolish talk: To prate absurdities with the greatest seriousness. (Dictionary.com)

Squawk 
They were just beyond the deck.
Squabbling back and forth. Prating
on and on about some unfortunate
turn of events. Unafraid of what
the neighbors would think. Yammer,
yammer. One and then the next.
Until one of them finally flew away.
The two that were left, muddled in
the grass til they were satisfied
that the territory was all theirs.
And then they were gone. And
peace returned at last.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Crapulous ... Deadly

Today's word is "crapulous" (KRAP-yuh-Lus) ...Given to or characterized by gross excess in drinking or eating; suffering from or due to such excess.

Deadly
There are things that make you feel bad.
And the Bible says it's true,
that gluttony and sloth and pride,
are really nothing new.

So if you're feeling crapulous,
or mean, like a crabby pants,
remember, you can change your ways,
there's no reason that you can't.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Peregrine ... Fly

Today's word is "perigrine" ... (PER-I-grin, -green)  foreign; alien;; coming from abroad. wandering, traveling, or migrating. (dictionary.com).

Fly

Why does it seem that all  prophets

have perigrinian tendencies in

their bones? Have you ever heard 

of one who stayed put ... content

to warn only his own townspeople

away from sin and the close-following,

inevitable, destruction? What must

that fervor feel like? The cramping

of conscience ... the agony of foreknowledge?

What ferocious force ... impossible for

the rest of us to understand. It whispers,

"Go! Tell! Save as many as you can!"

And some do raise their heads. And

some rise up. And some follow ... some, even

to their deaths and glory. Which, it would seem,

might make the sack clothes and ashes,

and locust lunches, a little easier to bear.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014

Onomasticon

Today's word is "onomasticon" (on-uh-MAS-ti-kon) ... A list or collection of proper names.

Back

There is a litany of names,

That runs for generations.

This onomasticon provides

A way to track the lineage

Of a man who became a king.

Not a king of lands and

Treasure. Not a king with
Designs on earthly power.
But with designs instead to
Become servant of us all
And love us into life.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Sparge ... Sink

Today's word is "sparge" ... (Sparj)... To scatter or sprinkle. (dictionary.com)

Sink
In this world of woe,
We're sparged with water holy,
Die, and are reborn.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Embroil ... Read

Today's word is "embroil" to bring into discord or conflict; involve in contention or strife; to throw into confusion; complicate.

Read
Why does nearly every story,
In the news, lend itself to questions?
Oh, the basics are there,
Enough to make a picture in your
Head. But, what about all
That's left unsaid? The emotions
We will never explore or
Understand. No matter
How we read between the
Lines. Tiny details that
Would reveal what tragedy
Or sordid plot or love story,
Might have embroiled its
Participants into a moment
Partially captured by ink,
Or pixels.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Gnomist ... What

Today's word is "gnomist" (NOH-mist) ... A writer of aphorisms. (a saying or adage) dictionary.com.

What?

He was studying his subject when an

"Aha!" escaped his lips. He felt like

a gnomist with a tricky idea. The first

to put two and two together. But who would

believe him? Common knowledge

stated just the opposite opinion ... all

his friends and colleagues would

look at him like a dog with a question.

But. There it was in black and white.

He looked away, looked back.

The facts stayed the same. Nothing

to do then, but gather his papers

together and take them out into
the world.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2014

Braggart ... Boast

Today's word is "braggart" ... A person who does a lot of bragging.

Boast

When I was small, I was the smartest,
I was funny and I was fit,

I earned great grades and people loved me,

I was the kid that wouldn't quit.

As I grew, things just got better,

The girls they flocked to see my face,

I played sports and of course excelled,

No one could keep up with my pace.

Now I have a job that's envied,

A house that's grander than the best,

My kids are beautiful and graceful,

And much smarter than the rest.

I hope you don't think me a braggart,

'Cause everything I say is true,

Sometimes people do get jealous,

I hope that is not true of you!

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2014