the moon

“The moon is friend for the lonesome to talk to.”
 - Carl Sandburg

The moon, it hung enshrouded

within a veil of lace.

It set the night to glory

and shone in very grace.

The swollen orb of gentleness

quietly lit the sky

as the world reclused into its dark

and let beauty pass them by.

There was no such obnoxity

or pride within its glow,

yet a confidence was exuded clear

as it hung so bright and low.

The path it carefully followed

was one divinely shown.

And humbly, moving through the hours

it soon let the day be known.

the gift of peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27

 

 

A war is being fought right now
in the East, or around the table.
The sullen faces speak of grief
and we’re just coping if we’re able.
 
The bitter taste of discontent
and grief – it stains our voices,
as we mumble prayers or heartfelt pleas
and count our numbered choices.
---
The sky lit up some years ago
and angels spoke of glory.
Shepherds heard the scene of praise:
soon the world had heard the story.
 
A child, newborn, had been sent to earth
to bring peace to a world of hurting.
His words and deeds - such truth and grace
led to a sacrifice: converting!
 
“Peace,” He said, “I leave you,
and not peace like which you know.”
His peace was whole – with no room for fear
to undermine or overthrow.
---
His peace won’t stop our battles
but will shine a light so clear
that not one shadow will hide an evil
wherever that peace is near.
 
His peace leaves not a troubled heart,
but sheltered by God's shalom,
by His peace – His Spirit’s own peace
He guides us hurting, home.
 
Right here and now, amidst our wars
the hardship may outlive us
but short our lives, and brief our pain
we savour that peace He gives us.