A Thread of Scarlet (2024)

  • 1. That Stillness

    1. That Stillness

    From A Thread of Scarlet (2024) …that stillness in the misty air: a line I heard — or said? — or read in once-upon-a-time, supposing missed and never mine, or raising eyes of weariness to miss the fleeting glimpse of bliss. Yet now with fingers numbed in cold the Dawn approaches, strangely bold, and pulling […] Read more…

  • 2. Where Now the Glory?

    2. Where Now the Glory?

    From A Thread of Scarlet (2024) Where now the burning bush where Moses, startled, stood? Where now the brazen altar built of fine acacia wood? Or where the flaming pillar in the freezing desert night? Where now the parted waters of the people’s hasty flight? Where now the burning wheels flashing out beneath the throne? […] Read more…

  • 3. I Made a Wager Once With Death

    3. I Made a Wager Once With Death

    From A Thread of Scarlet (2024) I made a wager once with Death, a gamble on a game of chess: That if I won, my life would be unending for eternity. And sizing up my humble frame, Death smiled a bit, agreed, and came, and sat down just across the board, and played his move […] Read more…

  • 4. Let Us Praise

    4. Let Us Praise

    From A Thread of Scarlet (2024) Now let us praise the Holy One: Father, Spirit, only Son, Three in one and one in three, Exalted holy Trinity. All glory to the Father, who reigns enthroned on high, His mercy and his kindness filling earth, and sea, and sky. So let us praise the Holy One: […] Read more…

  • 5. Nothing Wonders Me

    5. Nothing Wonders Me

    From A Thread of Scarlet (2024) I’ve been to the volcano, seen it glowing in the mist. I smelled the sweet lehua flow’r, the ocean’s salty kiss. I’ve seen the barracuda’s teeth alone in distant seas, but Jesus Christ, our Lord, he didn’t die for such as these. I’ve seen the mountain glade at dawn […] Read more…

  • 6. Fan the Flame

    6. Fan the Flame

    From A Thread of Scarlet (2024) “Fan the flame, the gift of God,” Or so said the apostle Paul. But staring down the messy hall, I find the saying foreign, odd. What flame is there in all this mess? What room for holy righteousness? When all around to which I tend Is always scattered, needs […] Read more…

  • 7. First Fruit

    7. First Fruit

    From A Thread of Scarlet (2024) It flowers first when all is brown, dead, dormant, gone, the faintest hints of springshine’s song. On branches barren, empty, free, the buds appear on lonely tree. And though the air slaps chilling, heartless, frozen, cruel, the stubborn streaks of pink persist. Paint: Shocking eyes from palettes dull, breathless, […] Read more…