Black and white and grey

The landscape of loss looms starkly
draining colour from everything around
Leaching the very soil
Mirrored in sea and sky
It brings a weariness
that is hard to shake off
but burrows in
like a parasite
sapping energy
feeding on melancholy
choking life
out of the brief intervals
of forgetfulness
or distraction
It gathers like a mist
weaving its tendrils
in and around
a city street
Building, building
until obscurity reigns
For a time
For a long time
vision is restricted
to a very narrow horizon
But, eventually, the view is expanded
and, as other shapes hove into view
the landscape begins to take on colour
slowly, gradually,
slightly out of focus.
And a creeping warmth
dispels the chill of loss
like the sun shining softly on the ocean.
The penetration is not complete
but it does make a difference
on the surface
loosening the grip
and softening the blow
until pain recedes
enough to imagine
seeing in colour again.


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The journey

Looking back
into the distance
glimpsing in the wake
the detritus of the ocean.
Imagining in the turmoil
the depths only hinted at
in the churning froth.
Every journey
is filled with discovery -
treasure yet to be uncovered.
lying in wait
for the one who takes the time
to dredge beneath the surface.
to sift the visible
and unearth what is hidden.
The wise leave early
allowing time
to savour the journey
arriving better prepared
at their destination.
But even those of us
who are by nature
last minute voyeurs
are still afforded brief insights
that linger long after
journeys end.


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Waiting

In quiet, subdued anticipation
God is
In frenzied impatience
God is
In joyful, building excitement
God is
And in sinking dragging worry
God is
The agony of waiting
- be it joyful or dreadful
Demands the presence
of the God of infinite wisdom and patience
Who waits beside us
and accompanies us through
every moment
matching our steps
carrying us through
with joyful swoop
or careful compassion.
In every waiting
God is.


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Finding light

The deeper the darkness
the brighter the light shines.
For love refuses
to be extinguished
by despair.
Resilience and hope
cannot be quenched
while the light of love
burns steadily,
fuelled by courage
and by compassion.
Look for the light
and there you will find love.

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Weegie Theology

I was enjoying a coffee with friends in George Square in Glasgow yesterday. Seeing that we were trying to avoid the pigeons, a friendly Glaswegian approached and proceeded to give us his theological treatise on feeding the birds.
He began to tell us of St Francis and why he is often depicted surrounded by birds and then went on to speak of Jesus and the approaching Nativity celebrations, concluding that there is no better time to make room for and care for the birds.
Then, having said his piece and, satisfied that he had furthered our education, he moved on and left us to our lunch.
Only in Glasgow!
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Wise men wondering...

On the way...

By now the wise men are asking:
Are we nearly there yet?
A long, arduous journey.
A mystery tour
with no end in sight
and no promise of fulfilment
The shine has gone
and the star is proving an elusive guide
Are they regretting that rashness
to pack up and set off
on the adventure of a lifetime?
Is the reality falling short
of their expectations?
Are they already longing
to settle down
to enjoy home cooking
to slip back into that routine
from which their restlessness took them
on this crazy departure from reality?
And what of those gifts
nestled safely at the bottom of their packs?
Do they now seem rash and foolish?
Based on a whim?
Tired, weary, doubting,
do they question their wisdom?
Or is their resolve as strong as ever,
their purpose unwavering?
Do they still sense that
history in the making
and their role in it?

(Liz Crumlish November 2013)

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Morning commute

Heads lolling in sleep
Or huddled over an amusing text message
Or buried in a kindle
Eyes closed listening to music
- not all of it contained by headphones
As another train speeds past
there is a brief glimpse
into another world
of morning commuters.
For how many will this be
the only respite of the day
Eagerly snatched peace
from a day that promises
to be frenetic
How many are anxious
to already be at their destination
To see a task accomplished
To meet a loved one
To reach a hospital
To begin something new
A whole world of life
and love and emotions
speeding past
And whatever the destination
whatever awaits these particular commuters
Life is lived
and love is won and lost
in the journey
a part of life itself

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