Papa Poet

Christmas is a nexus of faith and family. Intimate faith. Immediate family. About 30 years ago I began the tradition of writing the verse in my wife’s Christmas card. Most are serious. Some are not. Several years ago she was in a leg cast for the entire Christmas […]

Recently I stood looking down on the Little Big Horn River and hundreds of stones that litter the hilly acres marking where every American, native and immigrant, fell. I must confess I don’t understand it. I wish our history had been different.

Greasy Grass
Wind blown ghosts
feather hair and flip Dior collars
playfully into sallow faces
just […]

The Sundance Grill is one of the countless restaurants I have patronized in my travels across the country. This one happens to be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but it could be anywhere. By different names, it is.
Back in the Sundance Grill
Back in the Sundance Grill.
Last time I was outside
on the patio
it’s colder now
the […]

This poem imagines the thoughts of Joseph as he and Mary journey toward Bethlehem.  I wrote and presented this poem in 2003 as part of a Christmas Eve service.  My poem accompanied two other original works, one from Mary’s perspective and one from God’s.
Bethlehem’s Road
Betrothed
I’ll say and nothing more,
ignore the innuendos and stony glares
enclothed in […]

She entered the Burger King with a cardboard box three quarters full of sticky red candy apples. Going from table to table she offered her wares. I, like everyone else, declined. I wish I hadn’t.
Burgandy glaze
drape red delicious
caramel eyes
penetrate cafe bar-
rios baptize
white-capped guilt into
Dios’ grande grays

A poem for God probably deserved first post honors.  Oh well, at least I know I’m forgiven.  This poem tries to view the birth of Christ from heaven’s perspective, the rending of the Trinity.
Chiasm

The Masculine and The Feminine
Creator and Comfort
Life and Breath
All in All
Most.
One
Child
Born on earth
Two mourn death
Wordless they suffer
Grieving the Bethlehem birth.