(Written May 14, 1980.) The starling parentFlies to the pinesAnd lands near the topOn an outstretched branch. Then,As if crossing a moat,They walk the branch bridgeAnd disappear behindPine needle walls. The visual image of the starlingIs immediately replaced by an… Continue reading

(Written in May of 1980.) We're all the same. We share the same dreams    and the same insecurities,the same fears and worries. Why are some immobilized    by their fear and insecurity? Why do others,    acknowledging their fear… Continue reading

I hear bird song.    I hear a bird–        singing. Not a grackle-cackle,    nor a starling-squawk,        nor even a wren-chirp,            but a song. I don't remember hearing it before;    mellifluous,     … Continue reading

(Written 45 years ago…) Who will you be?    How much will we grow?        How well will we work together? What jokes and cliches will be ours?    What fears will we share?        How often will we disagree?… Continue reading

(Written July 1, 1982) God asks us     to bear burdens,        not enjoy them. Text and image © 2025 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.Visit The60SecondSabbath.com, where spirit and image merge. Continue reading

Once,    when a guest couldn't handle his name,my mother's Uncle Obadiah    magnanimously responded,     "Obadiah,        Oh-be-damned–    just call me Paul;        that's a good biblical name."  Text and image © 2025 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.Visit The60SecondSabbath.com,… Continue reading

You are either     SLEPT or you are     WOKE. Which might     GOD  prefer? Continue reading

You are     SLEPT or you are     WOKE. Your choice. Continue reading

    I awaken awed:    What maestro conducts    this symphony of birdsong? Text and image © 2025 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.Visit The60SecondSabbath.com, where spirit and image merge. Continue reading

I step back,    and God steps forward. Less of me    means more of Mystery, of the Infinite, the Unfathomable. A silent me    invites the Still, Small Voice, the Whisper, the Holy Silence. I fall back,    and… Continue reading