tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62019059739266101242024-03-12T21:42:37.880-04:00PSALMS FOR THE SINNER<i><b> 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'** Luke 18:13</b></i>lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-80210374830402038832016-04-18T18:42:00.003-04:002016-04-18T18:43:29.937-04:00Year of mercy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYmkRqWkJcQ/VxVimHo4BcI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ZkbYkULR2lc7Nlkkg0CfUVIJAc82_txTwCLcB/s1600/Capture0418B.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYmkRqWkJcQ/VxVimHo4BcI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ZkbYkULR2lc7Nlkkg0CfUVIJAc82_txTwCLcB/s400/Capture0418B.GIF" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-5049954679264956152016-04-14T20:44:00.000-04:002016-04-14T20:44:01.478-04:00Washington Post correction<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A previous version of this essay incorrectly identified the material Catholics apply to their foreheads on the first day of Lent. It is ash, not charcoal. </b></span></span>lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-18551028933889124522016-02-03T21:41:00.000-05:002016-02-03T21:41:59.765-05:00Chick Fil A (Supersize my waffle fries)<span lang="EN">Genetically altered chicken breast<br />
wrapped in bacon<br />
dropped in grease<br />
on white bread.<br />
<br />
<br />
Cardiologists <br />
and St. Peter<br />
ready themselves <br />
for the onslaught.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.pcrm.org/media/news/hazardous-and-healthy-hospital-food-environments?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRons6%2FOde%2FhmjTEU5z16uQoWK6xhp141El3fuXBP2XqjvpVQcBkMLnPRw8FHZNpywVWM8TILtkUt9hsLQziDW0%3D" target="_blank">LINK</a></span>lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-51816118442810362612015-07-31T21:17:00.002-04:002015-07-31T21:21:51.947-04:00"Jesus, Are You Real?"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
Jesus, are you real?<br />
Did we make you up?<br />
Is salvation what you want<br />
Or is faith enough?</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Do you know where I'm bound?<br />
Do you know who I am?<br />
Are you just a word I use<br />
When I don't understand?</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Standing like a statue in the sea<br />
In a little truck stop in Tennessee<br />
And bombs are crashing down in waves<br />
On a giant TV screen</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">And I am struck<br />
I cannot move to make it stop<br />
What can I do? People are dying in their beds<br />
While this flag flies over our heads</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Jesus, are you stronger than a loaded gun?<br />
I'm beginning to believe you're not the only one<br />
Strong enough to show your love, strong enough to give<br />
Strong enough to go through hell, strong enough to live</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">And all night long I sat with you<br />
In a darkened hospital room<br />
And nurses checked in by the hour<br />
I was made aware of a higher power</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">And how this fragile life we live<br />
Is not ours to keep but ours to give<br />
What in the world am I gonna do<br />
If anything should happen to you?</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">All I do is doubt you, God<br />
All is do is love you, God<br />
All I do is question you<br />
What else can I do?</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">This world was never solid ground<br />
The past is coming back around<br />
All I do is search for you<br />
What else can I do?</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">And when I say I search for you<br />
I mean I search for peace<br />
I search for hope, I search for love<br />
And one day for release</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Jesus, my life does not feel the same<br />
New things happen everyday, things I can't explain<br />
But I am not a man of faith, I'm a man of truth<br />
But is this feeling in my heart, is this feeling proof?</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">When you do not know, you know<br />
And when you know, you do not know<br />
And when you think you do, you die<br />
And when you do not think, you grow</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Are we left here in the dark<br />
Or are we left here in the light?<br />
It seems to me that both are true<br />
And it's up to us to know what's right</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">All I do is doubt you, God<br />
All is do is love you, God<br />
All I do is question you<br />
What else can I do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
This world was never solid ground<br />
Religion cannot help me now<br />
All I do is search for you<br />
What else can I do?</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">And when I say I search for you<br />
I mean I search for peace<br />
I search for hope, I search for love<br />
And one day for release</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">God give me strength to accept the things<br />
That I just cannot know<br />
And even when I lose control<br />
I will not let you go </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>MASON JENNINGS</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3sU0Dn5Bgk" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3sU0Dn5Bgk </span></a></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-37396830662246666752015-07-05T10:15:00.002-04:002015-07-05T10:15:23.785-04:00LIFE WHILE-YOU-WAIT<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Performance without rehearsal.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Body without alterations.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Head without premeditation.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know nothing of the role I play.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I only know it's mine. I can't exchange it.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have to guess on the spot</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">just what this play's all about.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ill-prepared for the privilege of living,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I can barely keep up with the pace that the action demands.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I improvise, although I loathe improvisation.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I trip at every step over my own ignorance.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I can't conceal my hayseed manners.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My instincts are for happy histrionics.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Stage fright makes excuses for me, which humiliate me more.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Extenuating circumstances strike me as cruel.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Words and impulses you can't take back,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">stars you'll never get counted,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">your character like a raincoat you button on the run –</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">the pitiful results of all this unexpectedness.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If only I could just rehearse one Wednesday in advance,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">or repeat a single Thursday that has passed!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But here comes Friday with a script I haven't seen.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Is it fair, I ask</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(my voice a little hoarse,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">since I couldn't even clear my throat offstage).</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You'd be wrong to think that it's just a slapdash quiz</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">taken in makeshift accommodations. Oh no.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm standing on the set and I see how strong it is.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The props are surprisingly precise.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The machine rotating the stage has been around even longer.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The farthest galaxies have been turned on.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh no, there's no question, this must be the premiere.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And whatever I do</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">will become forever what I've done.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">***</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wislawa Szymborska</span></span></i></div>
<div style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">trans. </span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> Clare Cavanagh and Stanislaw Baranczak</i> </span></span></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-27899822431555983452015-04-10T13:40:00.000-04:002015-04-10T14:14:42.391-04:00Morning Commute<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>(Easter 2015)</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I hurry off to work</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">in the early dawn.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I cut through </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">the cemetery,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">past the grieving</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">friends and widows,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and as I reach</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">the shade of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">the caves,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I knock over </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">some poor soul.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I reach my hand out</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">to lift him up,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I notice the scar on</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">his wrist.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Nasty cut, you have there."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Arisen, he grunts and says "Thanks."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"A lot to do today. Shalom."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Me too. Shalom."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And as I reach the east gate,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">with my face meeting the rising sun,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I hear a cry</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"He is not here!"</span> </span></div>
<br />
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-26379532210726193602015-03-14T11:18:00.001-04:002015-03-14T11:18:09.198-04:00Mama told me<span style="font-size: large;">Some students take offense very easily.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">During one lecture, a student asked a question I’ve heard many times: “If we evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?” My response was and is always the same: we didn’t evolve from monkeys. Humans and monkeys evolved from a common ancestor. One ancestral population evolved in one direction toward modern-day monkeys, while another evolved toward humans. The explanation clicked for most students, but not all, so I tried another. I asked the students to consider this: Catholics are the oldest Christian denomination, and so if Protestants evolved from Catholics, why are there still Catholics? Some students laughed, some found it a clarifying example, and others were clearly offended.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Two days later, a student walked down to the lectern after class and informed me that I was wrong about Catholics. He said Baptists were the first Christians and that this is clearly explained in the Bible. His mother told him so. I asked where this was explained in the Bible. He glared at me and said, “John the Baptist, duh!” and then walked away.</span><br />
<span id="goog_2109715627"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_2109715626"><br /></a>
<a href="https://orionmagazine.org/article/defending-darwin/" target="_blank">Defending Darwin</a>lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-67530470356444912082015-02-17T18:11:00.004-05:002015-02-17T18:11:39.085-05:00Ash Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>(2015)</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+2%3A12-17&version=NIV" target="_blank">Joel 2:12-17</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">No gifts.<br />No chocolate.<br />No parties.<br />No alleluias.<br /><br />Just the faithful<br />gathering at<br />His command<br />on an <br />ordinary <br />winter Wednesday.<br /><br />They pray that <br />their hardened hearts<br />be opened<br />so the ashes<br />of pain and sin<br />that are <br />encased in<br />them<br />be scraped away. </span></span></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-46458201700165214432015-02-10T18:09:00.005-05:002015-02-10T18:09:42.261-05:00To Be Rid of a Rival<div class="article-content">
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For this curse, you need a liter of good grain liquor</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and a heartful of unquenchable hate.</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep the bottle corked, and spend a long, dry night</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">thinking of everything your rival has</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">that ought to be yours.</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> At dawn, roll up your trousers</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and set off barefoot down an unmaintained</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">side road that dissolves into sand, then dead-ends</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">at the river. Walk upstream until you see</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the swift skein of the water tangle and fray,</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">marking the snag</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> where the river dumps its garbage.</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">An almost spokeless bicycle wheel, an oil drum,</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">two traffic cones and the aluminum</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">bones of a beach chair have fetched up on this altar</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of wet rock and weed. Wade in as close</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">as you can to make your own</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ugly offering.</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The stream may be icy, but your stoked-up rage</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">will keep you warm as you unstop the bottle</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and drink deep, wishing your rival</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">gone gone gone gone. Your curse will gain</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">strength with every swig.</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Picture a heart attack;</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">picture a jittery mugger with a gun;</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">a missed stoplight and a truck; a sailboat</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">in a thunderstorm. When your head starts to swim,</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">take a final pull, then throw the bottle hard</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">onto the trash heap. A trail</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of white lightning will</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">glitter for an instant like shards of glass across the air.</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wish once more. If your libation is accepted,</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">some misfortune will soon carry your rival away—</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">cast off, washed up, worn down— until nothing is left</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">but a slight catch in the river’s throat.</span></span></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<br /></div>
<div class="parapoem">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><i><b><span class="floral"><a class="name" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Melissa Monroe</a></span></b></i></span></div>
</div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-75315024955030844962015-01-05T17:24:00.000-05:002015-01-05T17:24:34.200-05:00ecclesiastes<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The trick is that you’re willing to help them.<br />The rule is to sound like you’re doing them a favor.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The rule is to create a commission system.<br />The trick is to get their number.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The trick is to make it personal:<br />No one in the world suffers like you.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The trick is that you’re providing a service.<br />The rule is to keep the conversation going.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The rule is their parents were foolish,<br />their children are greedy or insane.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The rule is to make them feel they’ve come too late.<br />The trick is that you’re willing to make exceptions.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The rule is to assume their parents abused them.<br />The trick is to sound like the one teacher they loved.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And when they say “too much,”<br />give them a plan.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And when they say “anger” or “rage” or “love,”<br />say “give me an example.”</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The rule is everyone is a gypsy now.<br />Everyone is searching for his tribe.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 1.385;">The rule is you don’t care if they ever find it.</span> </span><div style="line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.385;"><span style="font-size: large;">The trick is that they feel they can.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><i>Khaled Mattawa</i></span></span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.385;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-40326234756259801842014-08-17T21:13:00.006-04:002014-08-17T21:13:52.261-04:00Healing<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The desire to grow without dying</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">reveals not all childish things have been put away.</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This was the still and wounding prick</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Peter felt during the cock-crow at dawn.</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Boy, I bet that was quite the morning, huh? -</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a warm-up crucifixion before the main event.</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All illusions of hasty transformations were squashed</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">as the sun began its crawl over Golgotha.</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There the stony disciple began his betrayal of</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the gross inadequacy of speedy recoveries</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in favor of the long difficult repentance</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">required to save the soul.</span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></address>
<address style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>John Blase</b></span></span></address>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-60121779382676455102014-07-28T13:41:00.004-04:002014-07-28T13:42:55.017-04:00Youth<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Youth is not a period of time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> It is a state of mind, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">a result of the will, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">a quality of the imagination, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">a victory of courage over timidity, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">of the taste of adventure </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">over the love of comfort. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A man doesn't grow old </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">because he has lived a certain number of years. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A man grows old when he deserts his ideal. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The years may wrinkle his skin, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">but deserting his ideal wrinkles his soul. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Preoccupations, fears, doubts, and despair </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">are the enemies, which slowly bow us </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">toward earth and turn us into dust before death. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You will remain young as long as </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">you are open to what is beautiful, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">good and great; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">receptive to the messages of </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">other men and women, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">of nature and of God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">If one day you should become bitter, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">pessimistic and gnawed by despair, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">may God have mercy on your old man's soul.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">General Douglas MacArthur</span></i></b></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-20083541851435375092014-06-19T10:04:00.005-04:002014-08-07T20:43:29.170-04:00The power of women<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There were 11 people – ten men and one woman – </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">hanging onto a rope that came down from a helicopter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">They all decided that one person should get off, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">because if they didn’t, the rope would break and everyone would die.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">No one could decide who should go, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">so finally, the woman gave a really touching speech s</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">aying how she would give up her life </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">to save the others, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">because women were used to giving up things for their husbands and children, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">giving in to men, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and not receiving anything in return.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">When she finished speaking, all the men started clapping.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-32809283054571330502014-06-13T16:31:00.003-04:002014-06-13T16:31:45.697-04:00Little Flower<span style="font-size: x-large;">It seems to me that if a little flower could speak, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">it would tell simply all what God has done for it </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">without trying to hide its blessings. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It would not say, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">under the pretext of a false humility, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">it is not beautiful or without perfume, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">that the sun has taken away its splendor </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and the storm has broken its stem </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">when it know that all this is untrue. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The flower about to tell her story</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">rejoices at having to publish </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">the totally gratuitous gifts of Jesus. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">She knows that nothing in herself </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">was capable of attracting the divine glances, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and His mercy alone brought about </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">everything that is good in her.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thérèse de Lisieux</span></i></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-80685738595978582562014-05-18T18:16:00.004-04:002014-05-18T18:16:40.987-04:00Six words<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is said that the shortest story ever told was </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">written by the then young Ernest Hemingway, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">who said he could write a complete story in </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">only six words!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">His colleagues disagreed, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and each bet $10 against the claim.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hemingway wrote down the words on a napkin</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and passed it around.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone agreed that he won the bet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is the shortest story ever told:</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.</span></b>lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-38721766629022084392014-05-11T15:35:00.000-04:002014-05-11T15:35:11.873-04:00I believe…<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lord,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I will never know or understand</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You or Your ways.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your birth or death</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heaven or Grace</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Miracles or exclusive love of all</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And especially - Resurrection.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Instead I believe. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As carefully as the cupbearer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">That serves Your blood </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">At the Sabbath sacred meal.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-2847458854158739142014-05-11T15:33:00.002-04:002014-05-11T15:33:08.639-04:00let it go<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">let it go - the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">smashed word broken</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">open vow or</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">the oath cracked length</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">wise - let it go it</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">was sworn to</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">go</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">let them go - the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">truthful liars and</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">the false fair friends</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and the boths and</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">neithers - you must let them go they</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">were born</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">to go</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">let all go - the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">big small middling</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">tall bigger really</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">the biggest and all</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">things - let all go</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">dear</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">so comes love</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">e.e. cummings</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-90303951580457037532014-05-04T12:12:00.001-04:002014-05-04T12:12:24.575-04:00Everything is Different Now<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+21%3A15-19&version=NIV">John 21:15-19</a>/ <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mt+16%3A13-27&version=NIV">Matthew 16:13-27</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Peter was hurt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">because of the Boss’s repeated questions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Who could blame him?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We want to be forgiven</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As quick as possible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And Peter in a passive-aggressive manner states:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">“You know what the answer is,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But I will say it again and again until You stop:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love You.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then, like that day in Caesarea Philippi</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Master after hearing the answer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">He was searching for</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Told Peter of the path ahead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Again with murder</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and glorification.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But unlike the first time,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">With his outburst and the Master’s rebuke,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Peter humbly obeys the command:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Follow Me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, Peter was born again ,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But he wasn’t born again yesterday.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-23620580737980713932014-05-04T12:09:00.000-04:002014-05-04T12:09:18.495-04:00Best in City<span style="font-size: large;">Now my ice cream truck is painted like a cheerful Panzer tank,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with a freezer full of ices and a fylfot on the flank.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And the music box is set up --hey, it's not against the law!--</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to play 'Deutschland Uber Alles' after 'Turkey in the Straw'.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And although I scorn the Untermensch, the deviant, the Jew:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I tell them so politely, and I serve them ice cream too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But so narrow-minded are they (so unethical as well!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">that they seldom come to sample the fine ice cream that I sell!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nor even will they enter into rational debates</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">scheduled daily in my ice cream truck with all my skinhead mates.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So you see, it's a rankest prejudice -- as blatant as it's shitty --</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">that my fine all-natural ice cream has not yet won "Best In City".</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">FROM A COMMENT SECTION - COMMENTER LIGHTHILL</span></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-56517461213898973882014-04-27T10:37:00.000-04:002014-04-27T10:37:34.318-04:00Seek Your Servant<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A39-43&version=NIV">Luke 23:39-43</a>/ <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A176&version=NIV">Psalm 119:176</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">O Lord, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Omniscient One.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You who knows what</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">the internet can't record.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The actions,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> victories,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> and defeats</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">of the eternal war</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">between the spirit and the bone. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">O One,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">who does not forget</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">His own,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I humbly repeat</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">your cross-mate's request</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Remember me."</span></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-58571877612734809922014-04-27T10:33:00.004-04:002014-04-27T10:33:34.837-04:00Lenten Thoughts Of A High Anglican<span style="font-size: x-large;">Isn't she lovely, "the Mistress"?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">With her wide-apart grey-green eyes,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The droop of her lips and, when she smiles,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Her glance of amused surprise?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How nonchalantly she wears her clothes,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How expensive they are as well!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And the sound of her voice is as soft and deep</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As the Christ Church tenor bell.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But why do I call her "the Mistress"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Who know not her way of life?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Because she has more of a cared-for air</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Than many a legal wife.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How elegantly she swings along</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">In the vapoury incense veil;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The angel choir must pause in song</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">When she kneels at the altar rail.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The parson said that we shouldn't stare</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Around when we come to church,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Or the Unknown God we are seeking</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">May forever elude our search.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But I hope that the preacher will not think</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It unorthodox and odd</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">If I add that I glimpse in "the Mistress"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A hint of the Unknown God. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>John Betjeman</i></b></span>lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-45312820854439587592014-04-27T10:25:00.005-04:002014-04-27T10:25:58.120-04:00Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Everyone wants to understand painting. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why don’t they try to </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">understand the song of the birds? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why do they love a night, a flower, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">everything which surrounds man, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">without attempting to understand them? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whereas where painting is concerned, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">they want to understand. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let them understand above all </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that the artist works from necessity; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that he, too, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is a minute element of the world </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to whom one should ascribe no more importance </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">than so many things in nature </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">which charm us but which we do not explain to ourselves. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Those who attempt to explain a picture are on the wrong track </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">most of the time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><i>Pablo Picasso</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Boisgeloup, winter 1934</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-44258665358093517052014-04-22T14:57:00.003-04:002014-04-22T14:57:41.052-04:00Easter Day <span style="font-size: large;">THE silver trumpets rang across the Dome:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The people knelt upon the ground with awe:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> And borne upon the necks of men I saw,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Like some great God, the Holy Lord of Rome.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Priest-like, he wore a robe more white than foam,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> And, king-like, swathed himself in royal red,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Three crowns of gold rose high upon his head:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In splendour and in light the Pope passed home.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My heart stole back across wide wastes of years<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> To One who wandered by a lonely sea,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> And sought in vain for any place of rest:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“Foxes have holes, and every bird its nest,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I, only I, must wander wearily,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> And bruise my feet, and drink wine salt with tears.”<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Oscar Wilde </i></b></span>lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-44874922225155105982014-04-22T14:55:00.005-04:002014-04-22T14:55:54.231-04:00The Gift<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">(Easter meditation)</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing with </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">this resurrection life you have been given?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing now that</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">sin is dead?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing now that</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">death is not the victor?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing with </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">this resurrection life you have been given?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">II</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing with </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">this resurrection life you have been given?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing now that</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love has replaced the Law?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing now that</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the last will be first?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing with </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">this resurrection life you have been given?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">III</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing with </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">this resurrection life you have been given?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing now that</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you are a new creation?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing now that</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you do not regard anyone with a worldly view?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing with </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">this resurrection life you have been given?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201905973926610124.post-3447860262780260622014-04-15T09:27:00.002-04:002014-04-15T09:28:10.727-04:00Passion Play<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">(Good Friday Meditation)</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Surely it is not I, Surely it is not I”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I have written what I have written.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I do not know, I do not know, I do not know him!”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Crucify, crucify, crucify, crucify him.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Director halts this repetitive babble,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with his signature line:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“It is finished.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The curtain rips and falls,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and the cast and crew</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">wonder if this is</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the final act</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of their careers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314056100237403074noreply@blogger.com