Dec 17, 2017 | Advent, Bible Story, Corona, Gus Stevens, Letters to the Churches, Sonnet, Victorian Sonnet
Those who have ears to hear, let them hear. A boy saw his young neighbor steal his bike so he followed him home to put the fear of God in him. But the house was much like his own, only it seemed colder, no coal for winter, and the man who opened the door made his son...
Dec 27, 2016 | Advent, Gus Stevens, Italian Sonnet, Mom, Sonnet
A mother’s delight and child’s torment: all those gifts beneath the glittering tree. On Christmas Eve, a singular present, always the smallest, she’d let us tear free from its bright paper. The rest must remain secrets for one more sleep: still a...
Dec 25, 2016 | Advent, Rusten Walter Harris
Exact imprint Unum Anno Domini Very God very man without blemish Perfect lamb Hypostatic union Homoousios Saint Nicolas A bruise upon the cheek of Arius Hard to believe Our desperate need Paradox Son of God Son of man Climax of covenant and plan Offspring of Eve...
Dec 24, 2016 | Advent, Rusten Walter Harris
There was a time when the world Like an arctic desert wasteland Frozen and forbidding Made no room For hopeful celebration Always winter never Christmas Hollow men filled themselves With a little dried tubers Or whatever they could find Thinking none to thank Praised...
Dec 23, 2016 | Advent, Rusten Walter Harris
“And he did what was evil in the sight of the lord” That common epitaph like a pall Hung over the memory of most The kings of Israel and Judah That country of schism with ‘covenant, calling and charter’ To be a light to the myriad of nations...
Dec 22, 2016 | Advent, Rusten Walter Harris
Something about Christmas The thought of divinity entering The world as a babe Condescending to diaper changes Nursing from his mother’s breast Unable to hold up his own head Becoming dependent Seems to elevate all of life And it’s most mundane experiences...