Nature
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Advent 14
Like Scrooge's trinity of ghosts,the Beloved takes my handand flies me skywardamong dark Winter's stars,beyond my sapped vision,beyond this succession of pea-sized moments,beyond my desk of dust and yellowing paper, endless analysis and digitized disorder…and for one brief momentreveals… Continue reading
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Winter
"I'm back," Winter says."Did you miss me?"He knows it's so,and so smiles as he asks. This is not only Winter 2011-2012,coming for his first visit.This is the same Winterthat shepherded Mary and Josephto the shelter of the stable;this is the… Continue reading
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Advent 5
A winter blizzard separates us–you are two miles away,but may as well be in Sitka. My normal snowstorm excitementdrifts over with loneliness. I think I'm craving you,but what I may be cravingis a tranquil, storm-embraced me. Text and image ©… Continue reading
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Everywhere at Once
Somewhere in our late-November neighborhooda dusty hearth cradles the season's first fire.Someone stares into those flames,cloaked in forest fragrance,holy as high-church incense. I close my eyes, inhale,am everywhere at once. Text and image © 2011 by Dirk deVries. All rights… Continue reading
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Dress the World in God
When I serve you tuna casserole, or a toasted English muffin, or a chilled martini up with a twist,I don't just serve you,I also serve the Beloved. When I iron a shirt, it's not only your shirt, … Continue reading
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Snow Has Started Falling
Snow has started falling.You call me to the window.We join hands,and we are kids again,entranced by the gentlenessof this, the season's first snowfall. To us, it is magic,this slow dropping of the white sky,piecemeal, silent, purifying. We don't need words… Continue reading
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Something’s Coming
Something's coming–there's thunder from the south,and a tightening of the air,dusk–and again, as every evening–crows spiraling downwardto disappear into hunched trees.The sky is a textbook of clouds–every shape,every color. Something's coming… Text and image © 2011 by Dirk deVries. All… Continue reading
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Scenic Turnout
"Nice view," we say–snap two quick pics–back in the car,eyes wide for the next DQ. Stop. Turn around and drive back. Get out of the car and stand thereuntil you feel yourself sink into the landscape. What's written for you in… Continue reading
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Only the Heroes
I am your soul,and this is what I require: silence to expand;stillness to recall;solitude to connect and confront. You are wise to be afraid;who wants to discover their true selves? Only the bravest among us.Only the prophets and poets.Only the… Continue reading
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Rest
All by itself rest is a form of prayer– necessary prayer. Text and image © 2011 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading