Wow, Mark. This one is something. So many good lines! And it manages to be deeply theological without sacrificing any of the vividness of real things, which is so hard to do. Might want to look at getting this one published. I wouldn't know a good place to go for that, but Claire might have thoughts!
Love the last point made here, Mark: “The signs are there before us; there before we look.” It’s often how I feel about nature. On the one hand, it’s always there for us and welcomes a relationship. On the other, it’s up to us to notice what it has to offer. Nice work as always.
I almost regret reading this poem. It feels like what so much of my unshared, unfinished work has struggled to formulate, and you've put it so wonderfully here that I no longer feel the need to go back and struggle to make anything of those failures anymore. The tone of reverence throughout strikes the perfect pitch. Really excellent work, Mark.
No, don't shelve those efforts, Dan –you always write with such insight and skill! I've felt the same way about much of your work. Thank you for your thoughtful read and kind words.
Wow. Just subscribed yesterday from a recommendation by Zane Paxton. Feel like I found a treasure chest. Now I know why he loves you! You both write with such beauty. And the amount of beautifully tucked scriptural references is like, wow - wonderful work for our Creator!
Wow, Mark. This one is something. So many good lines! And it manages to be deeply theological without sacrificing any of the vividness of real things, which is so hard to do. Might want to look at getting this one published. I wouldn't know a good place to go for that, but Claire might have thoughts!
Thanks so much for the thoughtful read and generous comment, Liv! I'll look into where this might find a home sometime soon.
Love the last point made here, Mark: “The signs are there before us; there before we look.” It’s often how I feel about nature. On the one hand, it’s always there for us and welcomes a relationship. On the other, it’s up to us to notice what it has to offer. Nice work as always.
So true, James! Many thanks for reading and interacting.
Wow! I kept having to drop my phone mid read to take in your words!!!! So wonderfully crafted! 🤩🤩🤩👏🏼
Many thanks for spending time with these words, Anna!
This is so, so lovely, Mark! The imagery is very concentrated and potent and your language is beautiful.
Thank you, Caelyn – I appreciate your kind words!
Holy heck
:D ... I'll take it!
This is beautiful, thank you.
Thank you for reading, Kacey!
This is astonishingly beautiful. I’m in awe of this movement, poetically rich in every way, that you guided us through.
Thank you, Allegra! I'm grateful for your kind readership.
I almost regret reading this poem. It feels like what so much of my unshared, unfinished work has struggled to formulate, and you've put it so wonderfully here that I no longer feel the need to go back and struggle to make anything of those failures anymore. The tone of reverence throughout strikes the perfect pitch. Really excellent work, Mark.
No, don't shelve those efforts, Dan –you always write with such insight and skill! I've felt the same way about much of your work. Thank you for your thoughtful read and kind words.
I also loved reading this aloud, in awe.
I'm so glad! I did too. :)
Glorious! Amazing!
Thank you, Mom! You are a great encouragement to me.
where beauty builds its house, there lives
A longing for perfection’s kiss, a maranatha
Placed within the chambers of your heart.
.
I read this prayerfully and humbly crafted beauty of a poem like a slow walk in the woods. Gentle and stunning, Mark.
Thank you for reading and restacking, Ann – and for your thoughtful-as-always comments. You honor me by your meditative readership.
Gorgeous.
Thank you, Bonita!
This poem feels holy and I hesitate to say too much, since I am prone to gush when feeling deeply moved. Saving this one.
Wow, I don't know what to say. Thank you for your thoughtful readership, Abigail! I'm glad these words have ministered to you.
Wow. Just subscribed yesterday from a recommendation by Zane Paxton. Feel like I found a treasure chest. Now I know why he loves you! You both write with such beauty. And the amount of beautifully tucked scriptural references is like, wow - wonderful work for our Creator!
I'm glad you're here, Sierra! Thank you so much for reading and sharing your response - Glory to God!
Stunning poem....it could use a bit more thematic coherence however. :)