the only way out, once was,
the only way in, can't go round
to the beginning again----
doubling back creates knots on this
tangled skein we weave, counting them
like prayer beads to our transgressions,
confessions we wear on our sleeves,
merit badges with crosses we carry
as if they haven't been conquered already
like redemption's on vinyl, collecting
dust in the basement, forgiveness a
rash that bleeds when we scratch it
and hope, soap on a rope, worn to
keep us from bending over in the shower
we blame for reactions to our actions
/inactions and pray to like we buying
a ticket for the lotto----
Y is a crooked letter, no one ever
straightens, belief, a road un-easy
but leads forward, toward new days
and faith, the essence of things yet
seen, but a whole lot less shallow
than its often made out to be---
but love, now that's the cotton candy
that holds it all together, melts on your
tongue leaving fingers sticky, making
holdin' hands with your [insert the
most bigoted word you use] neighbor
all the easier---
written for imperfect prose
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69 comments:
This one kind of has a "rant"-ish feel to me, like something negative or hurtful set you off. It really seems more like raw emotion than your usual passive observation. What brought this one out?
We're an interesting lot, aren't we? And we see through a glass, darkly.
And yes, it's the love that brings it all into focus.
Nicely done.
=)
it kinda is Daniel...kid gloves came off...kinda...i live in the buckle of the bible belt, you can tell because of all the church signs and their catchy slogans, though it would be hard to tell sometimes...some of the most prejudicial people i know sit the pews...but i feel better now...smiles.
Wow--that part "Y is a crooked letter, no one ever straightens" is such a powerful one. Why...a road uneasy! Great play on words Brian (as usual!)
Righteous anger. It's a beautiful thing. I do believe I could hear the crashing of the 'banker's tables' in the temple, just reading this.
Sometimes, you just have to say it out loud.
(*insert raptuous applause here*) I believe, you made a believer out of me. Brilliant Brian!
Harsh, but warranted at times, I do believe. For some reason, this reminds me of prosperity theology...if you are just faithful enough, you will be rich!
The Y part...as in asking why, I'm guessing. Yes, that is the harder road to take, but as believers, I believe we are called to ask why.
Ouch, that can be me sometimes. I think I've been wearing my confession on my sleeve lately. I'm done. these are some strong words.
Raw emotions seem to be expressed here. An anger, frustration. "forgiveness a
rash that bleeds when we scratch it". I like it.
I like it...righteous anger .... Nice!
good good stuff, Brian
Just wanting to chime in here to say thanks for this powerful piece.
Ah, love as cotton candy, what an image to linger on and on.
Amen. I am always intrigued by people who hide behind relgion and yet are so self righteous and judgemental. I need to be careful and keep my faith intact, and my eys wide open. What's So Amazing About Grace? (Phillip Yancey) is that it should be the one gift that is so freely given by the church but it rarely is......
This was inspirational for me. I also hinted a tad of humor. These lines:and faith, the essence of things yet seen, but a whole lot less shallow than its often made out to be---
Fugacious- a short time, period of time dict.com LoL
Your words always move me, Brian - (even once to the dictionary to look up 'skein')- and this write is no exception. There's more than a little bit of me in there!!
a bit darker, more harsh if you will than usuall, but brilliantly said...those who scream love aren't always the kindess souls are they...
nice bro.
It's a long road. I don't think I care to go back to the beginning. Too late. We've got to try to get it right the first time...nearly impossible.
I like the idea of cotton candy holding love together....enjoy the rest of your day!
Whoa! Tell us how you really feel, Brian. lol Sometimes letting off a little steam helps.
In the end. . . Love does win. And after all, God is Love. It is written that way.
This is wonderful way to release what you really feel. And, as a pastor, who truly does not enjoy being classified with Bible thumpers, wouldn't we all be a lot better off if we could just forget how to judge and love. After all, we are ALL created in the image of God.
Why is that so hard for some people to see?
I just don't get it. But then the Y is a crooked road that never gets straightened.
In the end, Love wins.
I totally get what you're saying here. And I feel it, too.
"Y is a crooked letter, no one ever
straightens" so many quotables coming from you lately!
Love="the cotton candy that holds it all together".....wonderfully said, Brian!!!
Somethings just need to be said.
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" Matthew 7:3
P.S. I SO HEAR YOU about some of the loudest Bible Bangers not being the "most Christian"...hypocrisy is one of the biggest sins...
look at that group protesting at military funerals. They should be so ashamed.
And all of the bigoted people bashing gay people. It is ridiculous.
Love and cotton candy! :)
Very raw and righteous - love the cotton candy part best.
This is good. I especially like some of the surprising rhymes. And I agree with the first commenter who sensed something poetically "rantish" here. Justifiably so.
My favorite part was this:
"redemption's on vinyl, collecting
dust in the basement, forgiveness a
rash that bleeds when we scratch it"
"love, now that's the cotton candy
that holds it all together,.."--what a great line. I also liked your "Y" observations. A lot of truths here, some not so sweet as cotton candy. Then again poetry wasn't particularly made to feel comfortable... Strong write.
Damn something obviously pissed you off
As you really gave a good scoff
What if I don't know any bigoted words
Do I just make them up like turds
I could always go with the classic f***
Or use something to do with suck
Yes most don't practice what they preach
They just want to extened their reach
Not caring what they do
Which bothers normal people like me and you
But they are to dumb
Sitting on their rather large bum
Love the opening Brian, and then you paint the picture of how things get worse trying to double back.
I too love the "Y" image...love your ending...and again, thank you.
This is a great I could poem in reading it could almost feel your emotions pouring into it!
Brian, this is a powerfully intense reflection on what we humans can create of spiritual belief systems. Maybe create isn't the word. Perhaps disfigure, or corrupt. It needs to be chewed on and digested. It is brilliant.
all we need is love, love , per The Beatles. I just posted my imperfect prose and forgot Emily's on vacation this week. Glad someone else besides me wrote something I could read :)
Some of the most judgemental people I know go to church but also some of the kindest.
Bri - great look at the whole ball of wax- the love keeping it and us together.
next stop NY C ya there
Brian, thanks for all your kind words to the writing. If you ever go big please email me. I wanna know and I wanna buy :).
xxamy
Faith and love are both powerful emotions, they can do so much good when used wisely, yet again do a great amount of damage when they are not.
Your last paragraph is very poignant...
Have a lovely day dear friend,
xoxo
Hmmmmm interesting. Blessings to you Brian.
Glad that's made you feel better, Brian. Sometimes church people (goers and pastors) are the worst adverts for what they espouse. You're right - love is what life should be all about AND faith to drive away our fear.
hypocrisy these days
comes sheathed in beguiling laughter....
bet you feel all better after this write....:)
A rant against prejudice - well done!
A story that has no answers, all I know is when my passion is awaken, I stop breathing
Prejudice and self righteous is such a turn off for people who have a world view of love. Always facing forward only means some people miss a greater perspective. Very good writing in this post.
Can I get an AMEN????? so true my friend!!!!! well said
I can't stand it when people pretend they're one thing and they're really another.
It's important to release emotion and you do it with such style. I like the strong words in this one, which in spite of the anger and disullusion, create a sort of prayer that acknowledges that love, real love is the ultimate all.
In the absence of love we are nothing. No matter what god or nation you bow to, now matter what world or alien life form...To love and be loved is the only thing that pushes us to evolve, to be the biggest and brightest we can be. Judgement is always wrong, because perception is the most personal experience we have in this bubble. No matter how hard you hope, no one will see it exactly as you do...they may lie and tell you they do...but its impossible. There I go again with my ramblings, could go on and on...but I don't have much of a following in the Church of Natasha, so I'll save it for another time. Awesome write, and again, your fault for my wasting much of your comment space!
I hear you, baby!
beautiful brian. very beautiful.
Love...hope!! Let the light shine.
So beautiful Brian. I like thinking about love as the cotton candy of life. Pink of course!!!!!
Hugs
SueAnn
This is so layered, Brian. And "like redemption's on vinyl" - I like that a lot.
People do seem allergic to forgiveness, sadly...
really enjoyed this one Brian.
just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your blog very much and i have an award for you over at my place if you would like it!
thank you for your post!
very nice "rant". Hope you feel better having it out.... :)
Wish you have a good day
wellcome to blog of me : http://Photos-Animals-Pets.BlogSpot.com/
Pet cat picture white - Photo pet hamsters - exotic pets - Photos-Animals-Pets - pet turtles - funny pet - puppy pictures - Photos of "cat picture" 2011 - Anime - Manga - News Kpop
:)
:)
:)
...I am still thinking...which of the numerous words that flashed my mind should I insert...
Yes to love. Always.
Brian
powerful, emotive stuff, sticky like cotton candy bittersweet is it then? Uh?
Well bittersweet for me I forgot to link up -- but I did write a poem - sigh- how do you manage to stay on top all you do amazing really it is.
joanny
You are clearly a more mature, in control person that I can be.
I have no patience, no tolerance, for such neighbors.
I know I should kill them with kindness.
But I can't.
It's so very, very difficult...which is the point of your post-- isn't it?
doh.
(thanks for allowing me to arrive at my insights on my own, Dr., makes them all the more meaningful..)
I see you're serving cappuccino today. :) I really like this one. I think I shall go and read it again.
[spelling error ;)]
Restrained and lyrical, but a rant nonetheless. And I find it divine and redemptive. Faith--the "essence of things yet seen"--is my watchword these days, and indeed real love, compassion, and empathy make holding hands with my bigoted neighbor a whole lot easier. Thanks for this.
A FAVORITE FOR SURE.
Where would we be without FAITH and LOVE. The world would be too tough of a place.
This sent me into a reverie trying to decide what is the most bigoted word I know.
Lots going on in this one. Made me think in several directions.
nothing pierces our heart more than shattered pieces of faith, trust.
trisha
so good so good so good
Y is also a fork in the road...
Love does hold it all together. If we would just believe in that then all else would fall into place.
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