Grandma’s tree was different. Unlike almost everyone else, She didn’t care if an ornament was ugly, Made of bits and bobs, or falling apart. The only merit that mattered to her Was the giver or crafter who made it, The amount of personal touch or heart They had poured into it—that’s what made it, To …
Key of promise, come, O Messiah, Promised one: To open every eye sin blinds, To loose the prisoner from his binds, To open each lock of despair, To free us from each heavy care, And then be found at last, Inside our heart's lock clasped, As we in yours are ever treasured With greatest love …
We soar above the foam-lapped shores and wind-wrinkled water Into blue autumn skies and brilliant sunshine. As we rise above the clouds, the sun smiths the ocean Into beaten metal that gleams against the shore. The coast becomes a distant curve, ribboned by white beaches. The clouds roll by in piled white and hide the …
The birds are just waking up In the dark of predawn As we head to the airport To fly with the sun. And when I come back from Dropping the travelers off, I meet a small earthworm Who’s just taking off. As I walk to my door, The crickets are choiring, The birds are conspiring, …
I will have a garden, Even if it’s small, Will till the ground That winter hardens Until my plants grow tall. I will grow a garden, Even when it’s hard, And raise my seeds And weed these weeds In my little yard. I will give my garden: What it blooms and bears This year—and bear …
Continue reading Southern Diamonds—Seven: “I Will Have a Garden”
The treetops are black, Backlit by purple-white lightning That ripples across the night. Then comes low, distant thunder, As if the night is mumbling, Clearing its throat with its rumbling. A chime clangs in the dark Like a ship’s bell in a storm, Heralding something, perhaps to warn. The treetops are black, Backlit by purple-white …
When you think the day is Almost over, Go outside onto your porch. You’ll find there’s more That’s yet to come Once you slow to watch the sun As it sets in radiant seconds That spin into minutes and send Clouds along so fast It’s almost in time-lapse. Only when you slow to porch speed …
Blackberry brambles bud At the edge of the woods, And up from the grass Miniature primroses Unfurl butter-pale petals. Every evening this spring Seems to hold surprises— At the edges of wild and at The tips of our toes From the path to entice us. Do you also find surprises around every corner in springtime? …
As winter fades into the green of spring with occasional final throes of cold weather, I've been reading Korean and Chinese poetry that focuses primarily on autumn and winter, which seems a fitting way to close the season. If this is your first foray into Korean or Mandarin poetry, I suggest starting with more accessible …
Continue reading Poems for the Winter: Poetry Collections from Joseon Korea and Communist China
Fireworks crack the door ajar, and piercing light peeks through at break of night. Noisy with neglect, the hinges can only creep and screech. Then, with a bang and final flash— we’re inside, December’s din diminishing into the dark. We’re here in midnight’s silence, slipped over the sill. Now all is hushed and …
