Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Pursuit

Photo: Brian Federle, Pacifica Sunset, 

The Lord travels in all directions.
The Lord arrives from all directions at once.
 Wherever we are, we find that He has just departed.
Wherever we go, we discover that He has just arrived before us.

Thomas Merton, No Man Is An Island


 I try to catch you, 
 side-glancing

facing forward to see
your heels flashing fire
in the shimmering red sea.

I gaze into night, 
desiring sight
of your dancing eyes.

I whisper, I sigh,
but you elude, 

ahead always, 
always behind.

(June 2014 ; May 2017)

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Rockville Cemetery



Among broken stones
folded over soft grass
we linger.

See how the fallen pillar
leans
on the graven rock?

Someday
they’ll search
for us, too.

In this garden,
beyond
all calamity,

beneath sunny lawns,
in a deeper shade
we’ll fill our own space
and in peace
with you
we’ll wait.

(2012,  2017)

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Shadows

Shadows 12-29-16.jpg
Photo: Brian Federle, Shadows in the Desert, Dec. 2016


Your shadow in the desert
by the winter sun cast.


Searing pain
as I gaze
on  dark

absence.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Fire Falling

sunset 2016-01-02 .jpg

Photo: Brian Federle, Sunset, 1/2/2016



Fire falling
to golden waves
consume the world
with your love.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Cliffside


Cliffside, Photo by Brian Federle, Oct. 2014


Down the trail
to where the gravel ends,
beneath the indifferent gaze
of giants, engulfed in emerald shade,
swiftly drops the forest
to the singing
creek.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Purgatory

"God, we have no idea where we are going. We do not 
see the road ahead of us. We cannot know for certain 

where it will end. Nor do we really know ourselves, 

and the fact that we think we are following your will 

does not mean that we are actually doing so.  

But we believe that the desire to please you does in fact

please you."  Thomas Merton

+

As I walk through winter's mist
I cannot see ahead or even know 
if the jaded sun will break through 
and guide me back home to you.

But I must not wait for certain light; 
I must go on through my dark fears,
bitter tears, failing sight,

for your gentle, wordless song 
nudges me always forward, urges me 
ever on.


(2 Nov. 2013)