Adventures in the Word

Whiff . . . plunk . . . SPLASH!
My rock breaks the glass
of the water’s face. The stillness
shatters and spasms echo
around the canyon mass.

But sudden spasms settle down
into rounded sounds that surround
me, making rings that radiate,
forming, stretching, spawning
ripples around zero ground.

All the while (just imagine)
my rock slowly floating (with panache!)
down . . . darker . . . colder
finally touching down . . . (p u f f)
and craters the mud with a mini-crash.

But a tiny surge erupts,
unseen, unheard, unrehearsed,
in an underwater world where wonders
reverse and conceal but reveal
another splash made of earth.

–David Herin

Here I am –
a new man!
Now I can bodily
belong to you Lord.
        This is your place.

Here’s my eyes –
extend my sight
beyond myself
to see the light
        patina on your face.

Now my ears –
tune them to hear
your healing words
clearly spoken.
        Turn me from the silent spaces.

Then my mouth –
open it to sow
my words without
the spoil of bitter thoughts,
        but with love and grace.

Here’s my hands –
arm them to tend
my own piece of land
content to want no more,
        through all my hours and days.

Here’s my feet –
turn them to seek
the paths that lead
us to your peace,
        through all my winding ways.

And last, my mind –
let my thoughts entwine
around your words.
We’ll sit and dine
        where our talks will mix with praise.

— David Herin