Safe Steps
This is the first piece of a new series entitled “Appropriate Smallness: The Practice of Secret Service.” It collides scales and perspectives to explore Jesus’ admonition to serve others even when – indeed, especially when – there is no expectation of recognition or reward.
Speaking of inconsequential diversions, here’s the first poem I’ve written in at least 7 or 8 years. I was text-boasting of the impressive alliteration within a text message I had just sent, and the recipient of said message challenged me to use my alliterative skills to describe the day to her. This is what I sent back. And then immediately posted on Facebook. It’s utterly incidental – but also, I think, a little fun.
Fresh and frail flourishes of green
as the first few unfurling leaves are seen
on the trees that lean
in the breeze, and seem
to be lazily waving
to me, hazily daydreaming.
People push prams, pull puppies, hold hands –
parks are packed, hipsters grass-napping, working on tans.
Strolling slow,
stopping every block or so
window shopping
people watching
sidewalk seating
chatter, laughter, smiling, eating,
Sipping coffees, cocktails, beer,
raising glasses –
spring is here.
1 working title: “the devil’s family tree”
As I don’t have anything in the works currently, here is a demo of a song I wrote several-ish months ago. I’m scratching my head over whether (and how) to flesh it out musically, or just keep it simple and spare. Thoughts welcome.
Perhaps the bigger question is, is this just a cute little musical diversion I made for myself, or with some work could it make a compelling addition to an album? I’m on the fence.
6 Sure, it’s thematic at this point. But it also happened to be quite appropriate to the title of this blog.
