Waiting to be inspired
I have learned the best thing
Is to do what must be done
And open my eyes as I do,
To notice what I have seen before
To understand what I have left behind
To discern why I am here
To see who I am with
To love the time that is given
To cherish the place where I am
And to be God’s child,
Learning at the feet of the LORD.
George R. Pasley
September 29, 2021
Martin, TN
Legend has it that the Barn Swallow Consoled Christ on the cross, And I remembered a miserable day Unfathomably hot in the barn When they cheered me through my trials, Just going and coming, Coming and going, Laboring with a song and A million beats of their wings. They seemed to say to each other,… Read more
Waiting to be inspired I have learned the best thing Is to do what must be done And open my eyes as I do, To notice what I have seen before To understand what I have left behind To discern why I am here To see who I am with To love the time that… Read more
Autumn has arrived On the heels of a storm, Fifty-seven degrees and sunshine At 7 a.m. on a Wednesday in September. So I have the time, and it is now, To weed the garden one last time and Put anti-freeze in the tractor and Advertise the chipper-shredder While the market is hot And Lift my… Read more
Dear friends, this poem is four years old today. Most likely, I have shared it with you before. Yet, I feel as I should focus on it today and this week. The times are quite challenging, and hate is stronger than ever. Pray for mercy, cherish grace, and labor for justice. When those three abound,… Read more
Maybe wisdom is as simple as Doing an odd task in your 10 minutes of free time, Or maybe it’s just knowing Time is never free. Maybe wisdom is packing your lunch, Having an extra pair of shoestrings on hand, Waiting to buy something you don’t need right now In case it’s on sale next… Read more
Walking normally, With my eyes to the ground, I saw something out of place, Tucked in a niche Where nothing should have been: “Random Act of Art,” it said. “Sweet,” I thought, And then thought some more- What if there were random smiles- Would folk wonder what I was up to? What if there were… Read more
Some mornings you just do What needs doing Because it’s what gets you through the day. Some days you trust That someone is praying for you Because God has seen your struggle. Some days you persevere- You stubbornly take yet another step forward- Because love requires it. Most days you pray That God is on… Read more
Walking this morning in the rain, my thoughts explore every nook Of my mind and soul and flesh, some of them long forgotten, Others dwelled upon far too much, and I discover once again The integrity of the whole, the necessity of them all When they are together, and then, daring to look about, I… Read more
What do whales do When the ocean rolls and blows? They practice being whales! Therefore everyday, be thankful. If you can’t be thankful for the weather Then be thankful you needn’t go outdoors. If you can’t be thankful today Them remember a day you could, And be thankful for the memory, By practicing gratitude. You… Read more
So many places I have lived, and all were home. Each with their own flora And fauna, and people too. The woman who owned the hardware store, The neighbor across the alley, The Sunday school teacher, The Boy Scout leader, The German Baptist lady With the garden. And as well, so many places I have… Read more
This heat has been waiting To strike us when we are too weary To struggle, To angry to argue, To defeated to rise up. So lie low, reach out for the Lord. Remember that he asked for a drink beside the well In the heat of the day. And be ready for the setting sun… Read more
I see clearly, standing here. Death still reigns, Rain still falls hard and cold upon our spirit, Our mortality still coerces The way we mold and shape our days. And this parade of those who dare to hope, It leads to a cross and suffering And a tomb sealed hard With all the traps of… Read more
Vacation is that place Where hummingbirds tease the hostas, And rain torments the fox, And the owls party far Into the night. Therefore, vacation Is that place where God whispers, All is well, I am here, All will be well, And we know it to be true. George R. Pasley July 14, 2021 Martin, TN
Bless the children, Bless the children, LORD, Because they are still pure. Bless the children, Because they remind us of who we were. Bless the children, Because they point us towards Who we should be. Bless the children, LORD, Because you love them. Bless the children, LORD, Because we love them. Bless the children, LORD,… Read more
There was the rocket’s red glare, And white contrails filled the sky From north to south and back again, And screaming pinwheels too But there was more, and grander wonder to behold. There was a table set deep and wide with joy, Pure joy, And arms spread wide to say Y’all come! There were… Read more
Blessed are the broken-hearted, Because there are things they know about love, That lovers have not learned; Blessed are those who struggle at ordinary things, Because valor is earned in struggle, not success; Blessed are those who yearn, If their desire is fair and noble. For where the heart leads the will follows; Blessed are… Read more
Mrs. Bluejay, Good morning to you. Do you enjoy the cool morning we have? Are there bugs for your babies, And seeds for you, maybe? It sounds like you’ve had Your coffee already. Is the neighborhood steady? No snakes in the branches, No cats seeking breakfast? Chirp away at your fancy. Your chatter and squawking… Read more
I HUGGED YOU For Steve Gale I hugged you, A week or two ago, Just to say “We’ll get through this together”. But now you are gone. And I wish I had hugged you. To say good-bye. But maybe, “We’ll get through this. Together” Is just as well, Or even better. Maybe, “We’ll get through… Read more
Last night I ran Barefoot to the car, And the wet clover Tickled at my soles. Today I prayed Sitting on the porch For the clover- thanksgiving As it feeds the honey bees In the air above, And likewise feeds the soil below Yet grows itself so flawless With the grass. And also Lord, Grant… Read more
I do not know you, Only the sound of your voice In the wee hours Filled with fear and pain, So I offer this prayer to the LORD Of sorrow and tomorrow. The one who keeps our secrets And works them as the potter Works the clay. Keep those in trouble, LORD, Close unto your… Read more
While watching the swallows Swoop the shoreline at Reelfoot, I pondered Your Spirit. How they delighted, Doing what you gave them to do, How they gathered mosquitos And all else they could find And made from them food. For raising their kin, Building their kingdom, How they processed their way With but few ounces of… Read more
Some doubt the intelligence of sheep, But I have come to see that smart sheep Are the ones who know They are sheep. And so it is for human beings, The wise ones know they are human. Give themselves some grace When they make a mistake, Allow others to do the same, And above all,… Read more
A trip to the farm To examine the damage Left by the storm. Fallen trees, crushed fences, Branches to be removed, Debris to dispose. But check the garden while I am there Radish growing, Beets, chard, carrots sprouting Tomatoes and cucumbers straightening-up And doing right. God is faithful, still. George R. Pasley May 5, 2021… Read more
ANOTHER WHATEVER DAY This could be another whatever day. Another day of walking uphill without a scenic view, another day remembering how little has been accomplished. No matter my resume, another day I can hardly avoid seeing how much needs to be done and all the annoyances that will cheer me along the way. So… Read more
Everybody talks about the weather, The old saying goes. My friends in Alaska feel cheated Because it snowed again, last week. And my Midwestern friends are outraged Because it snowed last night. But here in Dixie, my beloved is disappointed Because she didn’t see flying snowflakes. And I know not what to think. But my… Read more
Sometimes in the garden, My mind drifting with the breeze, Fragments of old confusing dreams Come back to mind. With neither context, Nor resolution, Nor even when they came before. They puzzle me awhile, And then they make me smile Because they are just a distant remnant Of our expulsion from the garden. And here… Read more
Yesterday at noon, I saw the construction workers Walking to the parking lot for lunch. And this morning, passing by, I saw just one, a young woman With her safety vest on, And I recalled my days on-the-job, With some joy in the memory. Then I drive by the group home, The one on the… Read more
THE ONES WHO SPEND AN HOUR The ones who spend an hour Kneeling on cold moist earth. Stones biting at their knees Early March wind Bothering at their backs. Planting peas dried and wrinkled Know what a promise is, Know the love that makes it, Know the joy that seals it, Know the faith that keeps it,… Read more
PRACTICE For Eleanor What does “practice” mean? It means to do something new, And then do it again, Trying to get better. And then it means to use That thing you have learned to do, In everyday life. Now here’s a new word: RESILIENCE. It means to overcome problems, To get well, It means to… Read more
It was raining out And the cat wanted in. It was raining out And the ducks wanted out! It was raining out And the cat went out again, And lay down under the wicker seat to watch. It is raining out, And I watch out the window, Mesmerized by the drops in the puddles. It… Read more
They instructed me To choose a color, Any color But only one color. But there are so many great colors! The blue today sky The dark stormy sky The almost springtime green And the lush late-May spring, Before the bugs have chewed all summer on the trees green, The faint red-brown of the hawk And… Read more
Give us eyes to see, Lord. Eyes to see your Glory In the buds on the mock magnolia, In the sun rising early this day. Give us ears to hear, Lord. Ears to hear your Glory In the optimism of birdsong, In the roaring of the thunder. Give us lips to speak, Lord. To shout… Read more
Yesterday, The neighbor had a very bad day And his child had a very bad, Horrible, no-good bad day. And I mourned for them. Though more for the child, And I wondered, If there was more a person could do Than mourn, Something other than saying, “Bless his heart.” And today, He went to work,… Read more
Earth-poem Last morning, I went tramping With two friends upon the mountain. Walking briskly on the trail, Making tenderly our way across the ice, Finally stopping before time ran out In a glade to catch the sun, then scrambling Down-mountain with much joy. There was hilarity, daring feats, And silliness in bunches. But then, passing… Read more
If you had told me yesterday, That today would be like this, I would have fallen over, Laughing (and yesterday, I needed a laugh). And on some other day, If you had told me What curse would afflict the next, I would have cried (or perhaps gone to my knees in prayer). The… Read more
(Upon seeing a yellow-bellied sapsucker) To the Woodpecker in the maple, Blessings to you, may you feast Upon whatever you find, May you find whatever you need. When the time comes, We pray you will find safe journey To your home in the mountains, Safe place to lay eggs and raise young, Live long and… Read more
If we live With eyes open wide, Hearts and minds engaged, We have seen Hope sitting on the curb, Head bowed, Tears in his eyes. We have seen Courage running The other way. We have even seen Faith, and cheating When he thought no one was looking. But if we keep looking We may yet… Read more
The day grows dark, Even though it is still short And in an apartment across town, A lonely woman waits for books, or conversation Or anything, but loneliness while outside the window, Lovers wait at the bus stop, for whatever is next. And me? I wonder how it is that I- Filled with disappointments and… Read more
Oh, sweet Jesus, Thank you for the owls. In particular the one who hooted at me From her perch high in hidden pines While I labored in the field. Oh, I know, She hooted not to me, But to some unknown friend In the woods across the fence, But I heard her, And her… Read more
Why are the trees so bare? Why is the sky so gray? Why is the news so blah? When does Christmas end? When does regular time begin? When do we stop being merry? Where do the birds learn to sing? Where do the stars learn to twinkle? Where does the puppy learn to love? Who… Read more
‘Tis NOT Christmas morning, But it is for the cats, Who are frolicking Rollicking all over the floor, Around the tree they just knocked over. ‘Tis NOT Christmas morning, But it is at the diner Where a struggling waitress Gets a $100 tip! ‘Tis NOT Christmas morning, But it is at Walmart Where a stranger… Read more
The care partner Has red and green lights In her hair. There are trees in the lobby And every waiting room. The doctor is a Cubs fan, The nurse is from the Philippines, And the other care partner Is chomping at the bit To move to NYC. Everyone, it seems, Has a personal Christmas wish…. Read more
Does the day begin When I rise up? Or does it begin When the sun peeks through the trees On the eastside of my house? Or did it begin last night, When I lay down to sleep And rest my body, charge my brain For the day that is today? And when does Advent begin?… Read more
A walk in the woods I take, Leaves crackling and crumbling beneath my feet. The shoots that grew from the stumps Of the gum trees I cut last spring, Are filled with leaves turned dark amber, red, A peculiarity the scientists can explain, Though I prefer its mystery And the metaphors I see. It is… Read more
Tractors, Bringing harvest to completion; College students rushing home; Soup in the crock pot, cornbread in the oven; These things remind me, even in a year filled with loss, We are blessed. So gather in faith, gather in prayer, Shout to our God, thank you. Thank you for soil and water and air; Thank you… Read more
What do whales do When the ocean rolls and blows? They practice being whales! Therefore everyday , be thankful. If you can’t be thankful for the weather, Then be thankful you needn’t go outdoors. If you can’t be thankful today, Then remember a day you could, And be thankful for the memory. By practicing gratitude,… Read more
This morning we prayed Together. We prayed together, Like two brothers for a third, Like sisters early in the morning, On a day when anything could happen. We prayed together, And it WAS good. Like honey on fresh biscuits, Hot from the oven. Not you praying for your idea And me praying for mine. And… Read more
Trinity once again served as a polling place for the election yesterday. I worked as a machine operator at the Church of Christ polling place. For the August election, I worked at the Trinity polling place. Weakley County had a very large early vote, so polling places were not as busy as they might have… Read more
We used to take a Sunday drive, Just seeing what was there. And I miss those drives, During this time of busy-ness And doing what needs doing. But one morning, off to do, I put my brain in slower gear, So as to look at where I was. There were leaves across the yard, There… Read more
Last night, at midnight, I found one of our cats Playing with a snake. Life surprises us, Everyday. Sometimes when we’re eager for a surprise, Sometimes not. As for the Lord, Every day is made new. A surprise we’re used to. Though sometimes we still Manage to see it in new light. Therefore, let’s ask… Read more
What happens when the sun shines soft, The breeze moves gently, And the leaves begin to fall? What happens when the children smile, When dear old Ruth in the nursing home Laughs at the joke you tell? What happens when the potluck table Overflows with leftovers aplenty, And no one can eat another bite? What… Read more
It’s been awhile Since I wondered. Wonder is Something that can’t be heated In the microwave, Nor bought on Amazon, Nor even stored in the pantry In preparation For the next pandemic. No wonder, Is the thing that finds you By surprise, Or so I thought. But maybe it more easily finds us When we’re… Read more
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. -Psalm 125:1 I’m not much mountain, LORD- More like a molehill, And not fastened down tight. But here I am-here we are- In these tempestuous times, Hoping to stand for something- Tether our courage, Lord- Anchor our hopes,… Read more
Maybe The world’s a good place to me Because I’ve not seen it all. Or maybe, It would be a better place If I saw a little more. But I know that what I see And what I’ve seen, Are different for you, And sometimes that makes great Conversation. But sometimes too, all sadly true,… Read more
Miriam took her tambourine And sang to the Lord, for the horse and its rider Were hurled into the sea. But isn’t it interesting, She took her tambourine. She took it, When they had to pack quickly and lightly And rush out into the night on a moment’s notice Because Pharaoh briefly decided to let… Read more
Surprise Happens “The essential thing is to not give up. Not ever. Surprise happens.” -Wm. debus, The Last Unicorn Surprise happens. Wouldn’t that make a great T-shirt? Surprises, the good ones, Are like a joke. Especially one that doesn’t begin with “Here’s a joke for you”, Because you laugh harder When the punchline sneaks up… Read more
My church magazine Came today, and first I turned to the poems. But they were all Sad, Every one. And I get that, I’ve been there, I’ve done that, I will do it again. I could Write one today. Perhaps I should, Because there are folk who refuse To repent, and don their sackcloth. But… Read more
To endure Is to hold on To whatever there is For as long as you can. To prevail is to hold on Long enough. To thrive Is to have it in you To make dark humor, To smirk at the irony, To look backwards And praise the Lord. But to hope, That is to look… Read more
I’ve had that thorn for years, But it flared up a few days ago, Acerbating a splinter That was new and fresh. Or maybe it was the splinter That made the thorn flare up. But anyway, I muttered “God, Why is this necessary?” But I didn’t hear God answer. Instead I heard the mothers Of… Read more
Many have been the mornings When I woke up, Knowing nothing. But precious few have been the mornings When so much nothingness Was a cause for joy. I had everything to learn, How exciting was that! And then I would dive in To the Picoult novel, The Oliver poem, The conversation with a waitress, The… Read more
I’d rather be eating blackberry cobbler and ice cream On my back porch BUT, That would involve planting blackberries, Pruning them and picking them in the hot summer sun. Bringing in the cows from the meadow, Milking them all at sunset, Letting the milk set overnight and letting the cream rise. Gathering the eggs, Splitting… Read more
Hack: as in a substitute; a workaround; Crawling through a window Instead of knocking on the door; Repentance and forgiveness When we have done something wrong; Being loved by God long before We ever heard the name, Jesus. George R. Pasley July 22, 2020 Martin TN
Here’s a “guest poem” for this week. Please be safe, grateful and hopeful -Pastor George Life in the Time of Corona I know deadly viruses can be passed around with deadly ease. But remember, love, so can other things. In better times babies can be passed from loving arms to loving arms, the scent of… Read more
Searching on Pinterest, I found an obelisk in a garden, Filled with sunflowers and vines. All-in-all beautiful, Strong, adaptable, useful and efficient. It could be used for anything, Though maybe not quite What I wanted for my cukes. Still, I like the idea of something useful And lovely too. Something that will support Even better… Read more
It was a mistake To go out for breakfast this morning. Going out for breakfast is for folk Who have time to savor The morning, the Sabbath, The company of food and time. But there was one waitress, Somewhat new to her job, And 15 tables to serve. Almost every one, every one but mine,… Read more
The crops are fair. The grass is green here and there. Neighbors help neighbors. The birds sing. The berries ripen. Tomatoes, soon, Will delight our tongues. Yet this I know, for there are graves fresh-dug. Diagnosis new and grim. Anxieties abound. The only good news, truly, is the resurrection. Rejoice at every chance. Delight at… Read more
“Turn to me and be gracious to me.” Give your strength to your servant.” Save the child of your serving girl.” -Psalms 86:16 Your serving girl may be The least of the servants in your house. Seen and not heard, except to say “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am”. And as for her children, well, Did… Read more
I used to stand on the bridge And watch the water race beneath As fast is it could go. To the sea that was only A few short yards beyond. And I wonder- How far is justice, For the waters still race. How far is peace, For the tide still ebbs. How far is hope,… Read more
The Spirit Intercedes for us, When we do not know What to pray. So what better time than now Not to know? What better time than now To pray? What better time than now For the Spirit to intercede? What better time than now To change the world? George R Pasley June 03, 2020 Martin,… Read more
“Where have all the flowers gone? When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?” -Pete Seeger We may never learn, though the seas rise The rivers flood, the gardens perish And the bees disappear, we may never learn. Though the stones we throw hurt more and more, Though the hospitals overflow Though parents weep… Read more
Maybe, I should have one garden bed That I let go to jungle ( I’m not saying I don’t). One that becomes lush and dark With whatever God grows there While I slumber through the night. One whose secrets are not revealed Until at the first hard frost of autumn, One whose mysteries I will… Read more
O gracious and wonderful God, We are thankful for a LOT! We are thankful for everything we have learned our whole life long, And for everyone who taught us. AND We are grateful that we are still learning, still growing, and still loving each and every day. We are grateful Lord, for every time we… Read more
Because the Journey is long, We need friends. Because friendship is hard work, We need time alone. Because friendship is an art, We need practice. Because life is hard, We need each other. Because one is weak, Another is strong. Because one is suffering, Another chooses to suffer with. Because one has lost the knowledge… Read more
Be happy when you can, And perhaps more than that. Be brave when you must, And certainly even more. Be kind. For God’s sake, be kind. But do not tolerate cruelty, Nor pettiness, Nor greed. Be not afraid to mourn, Nor to speak out, Nor to seek love. Be ready to laugh at yourself, To… Read more
We walk, we live, we sleep In the valley of the shadow of death, Even when our skies are blue Like the eggs in a robin’s nest. And yet on this grey and somber day, And others that have swallowed light, We also walk, and live, and sleep In a valley where dogwood bloom, Where… Read more
Our prayer- The thing our faith hopes of our character- Is that Easter can prove to be with us As Christmas did at Whoville. We yearn to prove That Easter will be Easter, Perhaps version 2.0, Without the lilies, Without the sunrise over the lake, Without the trumpet, Without the choir- More like, the one… Read more
AN ANNOINTING “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” -John 12:3 Who knows where she found the nard, Let alone the money to pay for it. And… Read more
There is now An abiding sense of sorrow, Faint like the dark pre-dawn, In which we mourn Because we will soon lose Someone whose name We do not yet know. This grief will not be shaken- Yet, let us turn not to fear. Let us turn instead to love. Love all that you know Or… Read more
03/25/2020 Sorting through some old poems, I found some old memories. Some of them made me blush and Some of them made me smile. Some marked the trail Where I had given up And gone home. Some recorded my innocence, And others my guilt. But they all reminded me Where we’ve been. And now they… Read more
If there is no God, then we are in deep, deep trouble. For there is indeed a devil who lives in our collective capacity. To lie, ignore, curse, to abuse, destroy, maim, to belittle, slander, deny, to be altogether un-human and inhumane. Therefore I will believe if for no other reason, than to do battle… Read more
A Benediction for St. Patrick Let those who have never known hunger Set down their forks. Let those who have never known cruelty Go as a stranger, alone, to a far place Where they speak a different tongue. Let those who have never known pain Don boot and gloves, take up their shovels And dig… Read more
Somehow this old poem seemed like the right thing for an election day submission. The first phrase- “There’s no such thing as bead weather, only bad gear” was often expressed by the fishermen and women in Alaska… There’s no such thing as bad weather, Only bad gear – So we dress for work, Or we… Read more
Thinking about Ash Wednesday I recalled glimpses, Bright moments over the year When I saw people, Young and old, Wise and foolish, Male and female As they might be, As they could be And it filled my heart with joy. But in the same moment I recalled Memories of myself, At my worst, Mean, spiteful,… Read more
Ordinary, from the Latin: Order, to rule, Ordinary, one who rules So to order one’s life Is to govern it; To follow an ordinary Is to be governed. Ordinary time, then, Is anything but ordinary, Unless our Ordinary is ordinary, As in lacking uniqueness. But if your Ordinary Is the one who forgave sinners, The… Read more
Open a book, And you are invited To enter a story. Say a prayer, Sing a hymn, Recite the creed, Read a bible verse, Cry for mercy, Ponder the news And you, and I, Are invited to enter Into the story Jesus told, The Good News That the Kingdom is at hand, That we matter,… Read more
I’ve seen so many rainy days, And despite this being one more Again this year, Despite so many plans That must be put on hold, This memory persists- I, sitting in my den mother’s living room, Watching the rain as I waited for my ride, My interior self, finding A place to sit in all… Read more
I am not blameless, Nor bold, Nor as wise as I’d like to be (perhaps not even close), Practicing kindness often wearies me, And doing my little bit of justice While the world burns’ Seems like Whistling in the graveyard- So, What are we to do? Blessed are all Who seem overpowered And underequipped, Said… Read more
Legend has it that the Barn Swallow Consoled Christ on the cross, And I remembered a miserable day Unfathomably hot in the barn When they cheered me through my trials, Just going and coming, Coming and going, Laboring with a song and A million beats of their wings. They seemed to say to each other,… Read more
Waiting to be inspired I have learned the best thing Is to do what must be done And open my eyes as I do, To notice what I have seen before To understand what I have left behind To discern why I am here To see who I am with To love the time that… Read more
Autumn has arrived On the heels of a storm, Fifty-seven degrees and sunshine At 7 a.m. on a Wednesday in September. So I have the time, and it is now, To weed the garden one last time and Put anti-freeze in the tractor and Advertise the chipper-shredder While the market is hot And Lift my… Read more
Dear friends, this poem is four years old today. Most likely, I have shared it with you before. Yet, I feel as I should focus on it today and this week. The times are quite challenging, and hate is stronger than ever. Pray for mercy, cherish grace, and labor for justice. When those three abound,… Read more
Maybe wisdom is as simple as Doing an odd task in your 10 minutes of free time, Or maybe it’s just knowing Time is never free. Maybe wisdom is packing your lunch, Having an extra pair of shoestrings on hand, Waiting to buy something you don’t need right now In case it’s on sale next… Read more
Walking normally, With my eyes to the ground, I saw something out of place, Tucked in a niche Where nothing should have been: “Random Act of Art,” it said. “Sweet,” I thought, And then thought some more- What if there were random smiles- Would folk wonder what I was up to? What if there were… Read more
Some mornings you just do What needs doing Because it’s what gets you through the day. Some days you trust That someone is praying for you Because God has seen your struggle. Some days you persevere- You stubbornly take yet another step forward- Because love requires it. Most days you pray That God is on… Read more
Walking this morning in the rain, my thoughts explore every nook Of my mind and soul and flesh, some of them long forgotten, Others dwelled upon far too much, and I discover once again The integrity of the whole, the necessity of them all When they are together, and then, daring to look about, I… Read more
What do whales do When the ocean rolls and blows? They practice being whales! Therefore everyday, be thankful. If you can’t be thankful for the weather Then be thankful you needn’t go outdoors. If you can’t be thankful today Them remember a day you could, And be thankful for the memory, By practicing gratitude. You… Read more
So many places I have lived, and all were home. Each with their own flora And fauna, and people too. The woman who owned the hardware store, The neighbor across the alley, The Sunday school teacher, The Boy Scout leader, The German Baptist lady With the garden. And as well, so many places I have… Read more
This heat has been waiting To strike us when we are too weary To struggle, To angry to argue, To defeated to rise up. So lie low, reach out for the Lord. Remember that he asked for a drink beside the well In the heat of the day. And be ready for the setting sun… Read more
I see clearly, standing here. Death still reigns, Rain still falls hard and cold upon our spirit, Our mortality still coerces The way we mold and shape our days. And this parade of those who dare to hope, It leads to a cross and suffering And a tomb sealed hard With all the traps of… Read more
Vacation is that place Where hummingbirds tease the hostas, And rain torments the fox, And the owls party far Into the night. Therefore, vacation Is that place where God whispers, All is well, I am here, All will be well, And we know it to be true. George R. Pasley July 14, 2021 Martin, TN
Bless the children, Bless the children, LORD, Because they are still pure. Bless the children, Because they remind us of who we were. Bless the children, Because they point us towards Who we should be. Bless the children, LORD, Because you love them. Bless the children, LORD, Because we love them. Bless the children, LORD,… Read more
There was the rocket’s red glare, And white contrails filled the sky From north to south and back again, And screaming pinwheels too But there was more, and grander wonder to behold. There was a table set deep and wide with joy, Pure joy, And arms spread wide to say Y’all come! There were… Read more
Blessed are the broken-hearted, Because there are things they know about love, That lovers have not learned; Blessed are those who struggle at ordinary things, Because valor is earned in struggle, not success; Blessed are those who yearn, If their desire is fair and noble. For where the heart leads the will follows; Blessed are… Read more
Mrs. Bluejay, Good morning to you. Do you enjoy the cool morning we have? Are there bugs for your babies, And seeds for you, maybe? It sounds like you’ve had Your coffee already. Is the neighborhood steady? No snakes in the branches, No cats seeking breakfast? Chirp away at your fancy. Your chatter and squawking… Read more
I HUGGED YOU For Steve Gale I hugged you, A week or two ago, Just to say “We’ll get through this together”. But now you are gone. And I wish I had hugged you. To say good-bye. But maybe, “We’ll get through this. Together” Is just as well, Or even better. Maybe, “We’ll get through… Read more
Last night I ran Barefoot to the car, And the wet clover Tickled at my soles. Today I prayed Sitting on the porch For the clover- thanksgiving As it feeds the honey bees In the air above, And likewise feeds the soil below Yet grows itself so flawless With the grass. And also Lord, Grant… Read more
I do not know you, Only the sound of your voice In the wee hours Filled with fear and pain, So I offer this prayer to the LORD Of sorrow and tomorrow. The one who keeps our secrets And works them as the potter Works the clay. Keep those in trouble, LORD, Close unto your… Read more
While watching the swallows Swoop the shoreline at Reelfoot, I pondered Your Spirit. How they delighted, Doing what you gave them to do, How they gathered mosquitos And all else they could find And made from them food. For raising their kin, Building their kingdom, How they processed their way With but few ounces of… Read more
Some doubt the intelligence of sheep, But I have come to see that smart sheep Are the ones who know They are sheep. And so it is for human beings, The wise ones know they are human. Give themselves some grace When they make a mistake, Allow others to do the same, And above all,… Read more
A trip to the farm To examine the damage Left by the storm. Fallen trees, crushed fences, Branches to be removed, Debris to dispose. But check the garden while I am there Radish growing, Beets, chard, carrots sprouting Tomatoes and cucumbers straightening-up And doing right. God is faithful, still. George R. Pasley May 5, 2021… Read more
ANOTHER WHATEVER DAY This could be another whatever day. Another day of walking uphill without a scenic view, another day remembering how little has been accomplished. No matter my resume, another day I can hardly avoid seeing how much needs to be done and all the annoyances that will cheer me along the way. So… Read more
Everybody talks about the weather, The old saying goes. My friends in Alaska feel cheated Because it snowed again, last week. And my Midwestern friends are outraged Because it snowed last night. But here in Dixie, my beloved is disappointed Because she didn’t see flying snowflakes. And I know not what to think. But my… Read more
Sometimes in the garden, My mind drifting with the breeze, Fragments of old confusing dreams Come back to mind. With neither context, Nor resolution, Nor even when they came before. They puzzle me awhile, And then they make me smile Because they are just a distant remnant Of our expulsion from the garden. And here… Read more
Yesterday at noon, I saw the construction workers Walking to the parking lot for lunch. And this morning, passing by, I saw just one, a young woman With her safety vest on, And I recalled my days on-the-job, With some joy in the memory. Then I drive by the group home, The one on the… Read more
THE ONES WHO SPEND AN HOUR The ones who spend an hour Kneeling on cold moist earth. Stones biting at their knees Early March wind Bothering at their backs. Planting peas dried and wrinkled Know what a promise is, Know the love that makes it, Know the joy that seals it, Know the faith that keeps it,… Read more
PRACTICE For Eleanor What does “practice” mean? It means to do something new, And then do it again, Trying to get better. And then it means to use That thing you have learned to do, In everyday life. Now here’s a new word: RESILIENCE. It means to overcome problems, To get well, It means to… Read more
It was raining out And the cat wanted in. It was raining out And the ducks wanted out! It was raining out And the cat went out again, And lay down under the wicker seat to watch. It is raining out, And I watch out the window, Mesmerized by the drops in the puddles. It… Read more
They instructed me To choose a color, Any color But only one color. But there are so many great colors! The blue today sky The dark stormy sky The almost springtime green And the lush late-May spring, Before the bugs have chewed all summer on the trees green, The faint red-brown of the hawk And… Read more
Give us eyes to see, Lord. Eyes to see your Glory In the buds on the mock magnolia, In the sun rising early this day. Give us ears to hear, Lord. Ears to hear your Glory In the optimism of birdsong, In the roaring of the thunder. Give us lips to speak, Lord. To shout… Read more
Yesterday, The neighbor had a very bad day And his child had a very bad, Horrible, no-good bad day. And I mourned for them. Though more for the child, And I wondered, If there was more a person could do Than mourn, Something other than saying, “Bless his heart.” And today, He went to work,… Read more
Earth-poem Last morning, I went tramping With two friends upon the mountain. Walking briskly on the trail, Making tenderly our way across the ice, Finally stopping before time ran out In a glade to catch the sun, then scrambling Down-mountain with much joy. There was hilarity, daring feats, And silliness in bunches. But then, passing… Read more
If you had told me yesterday, That today would be like this, I would have fallen over, Laughing (and yesterday, I needed a laugh). And on some other day, If you had told me What curse would afflict the next, I would have cried (or perhaps gone to my knees in prayer). The… Read more
(Upon seeing a yellow-bellied sapsucker) To the Woodpecker in the maple, Blessings to you, may you feast Upon whatever you find, May you find whatever you need. When the time comes, We pray you will find safe journey To your home in the mountains, Safe place to lay eggs and raise young, Live long and… Read more
If we live With eyes open wide, Hearts and minds engaged, We have seen Hope sitting on the curb, Head bowed, Tears in his eyes. We have seen Courage running The other way. We have even seen Faith, and cheating When he thought no one was looking. But if we keep looking We may yet… Read more
The day grows dark, Even though it is still short And in an apartment across town, A lonely woman waits for books, or conversation Or anything, but loneliness while outside the window, Lovers wait at the bus stop, for whatever is next. And me? I wonder how it is that I- Filled with disappointments and… Read more
Oh, sweet Jesus, Thank you for the owls. In particular the one who hooted at me From her perch high in hidden pines While I labored in the field. Oh, I know, She hooted not to me, But to some unknown friend In the woods across the fence, But I heard her, And her… Read more
Why are the trees so bare? Why is the sky so gray? Why is the news so blah? When does Christmas end? When does regular time begin? When do we stop being merry? Where do the birds learn to sing? Where do the stars learn to twinkle? Where does the puppy learn to love? Who… Read more
‘Tis NOT Christmas morning, But it is for the cats, Who are frolicking Rollicking all over the floor, Around the tree they just knocked over. ‘Tis NOT Christmas morning, But it is at the diner Where a struggling waitress Gets a $100 tip! ‘Tis NOT Christmas morning, But it is at Walmart Where a stranger… Read more
The care partner Has red and green lights In her hair. There are trees in the lobby And every waiting room. The doctor is a Cubs fan, The nurse is from the Philippines, And the other care partner Is chomping at the bit To move to NYC. Everyone, it seems, Has a personal Christmas wish…. Read more
Does the day begin When I rise up? Or does it begin When the sun peeks through the trees On the eastside of my house? Or did it begin last night, When I lay down to sleep And rest my body, charge my brain For the day that is today? And when does Advent begin?… Read more
A walk in the woods I take, Leaves crackling and crumbling beneath my feet. The shoots that grew from the stumps Of the gum trees I cut last spring, Are filled with leaves turned dark amber, red, A peculiarity the scientists can explain, Though I prefer its mystery And the metaphors I see. It is… Read more
Tractors, Bringing harvest to completion; College students rushing home; Soup in the crock pot, cornbread in the oven; These things remind me, even in a year filled with loss, We are blessed. So gather in faith, gather in prayer, Shout to our God, thank you. Thank you for soil and water and air; Thank you… Read more
What do whales do When the ocean rolls and blows? They practice being whales! Therefore everyday , be thankful. If you can’t be thankful for the weather, Then be thankful you needn’t go outdoors. If you can’t be thankful today, Then remember a day you could, And be thankful for the memory. By practicing gratitude,… Read more
This morning we prayed Together. We prayed together, Like two brothers for a third, Like sisters early in the morning, On a day when anything could happen. We prayed together, And it WAS good. Like honey on fresh biscuits, Hot from the oven. Not you praying for your idea And me praying for mine. And… Read more
Trinity once again served as a polling place for the election yesterday. I worked as a machine operator at the Church of Christ polling place. For the August election, I worked at the Trinity polling place. Weakley County had a very large early vote, so polling places were not as busy as they might have… Read more
We used to take a Sunday drive, Just seeing what was there. And I miss those drives, During this time of busy-ness And doing what needs doing. But one morning, off to do, I put my brain in slower gear, So as to look at where I was. There were leaves across the yard, There… Read more
Last night, at midnight, I found one of our cats Playing with a snake. Life surprises us, Everyday. Sometimes when we’re eager for a surprise, Sometimes not. As for the Lord, Every day is made new. A surprise we’re used to. Though sometimes we still Manage to see it in new light. Therefore, let’s ask… Read more
What happens when the sun shines soft, The breeze moves gently, And the leaves begin to fall? What happens when the children smile, When dear old Ruth in the nursing home Laughs at the joke you tell? What happens when the potluck table Overflows with leftovers aplenty, And no one can eat another bite? What… Read more
It’s been awhile Since I wondered. Wonder is Something that can’t be heated In the microwave, Nor bought on Amazon, Nor even stored in the pantry In preparation For the next pandemic. No wonder, Is the thing that finds you By surprise, Or so I thought. But maybe it more easily finds us When we’re… Read more
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. -Psalm 125:1 I’m not much mountain, LORD- More like a molehill, And not fastened down tight. But here I am-here we are- In these tempestuous times, Hoping to stand for something- Tether our courage, Lord- Anchor our hopes,… Read more
Maybe The world’s a good place to me Because I’ve not seen it all. Or maybe, It would be a better place If I saw a little more. But I know that what I see And what I’ve seen, Are different for you, And sometimes that makes great Conversation. But sometimes too, all sadly true,… Read more
Miriam took her tambourine And sang to the Lord, for the horse and its rider Were hurled into the sea. But isn’t it interesting, She took her tambourine. She took it, When they had to pack quickly and lightly And rush out into the night on a moment’s notice Because Pharaoh briefly decided to let… Read more
Surprise Happens “The essential thing is to not give up. Not ever. Surprise happens.” -Wm. debus, The Last Unicorn Surprise happens. Wouldn’t that make a great T-shirt? Surprises, the good ones, Are like a joke. Especially one that doesn’t begin with “Here’s a joke for you”, Because you laugh harder When the punchline sneaks up… Read more
My church magazine Came today, and first I turned to the poems. But they were all Sad, Every one. And I get that, I’ve been there, I’ve done that, I will do it again. I could Write one today. Perhaps I should, Because there are folk who refuse To repent, and don their sackcloth. But… Read more
To endure Is to hold on To whatever there is For as long as you can. To prevail is to hold on Long enough. To thrive Is to have it in you To make dark humor, To smirk at the irony, To look backwards And praise the Lord. But to hope, That is to look… Read more
I’ve had that thorn for years, But it flared up a few days ago, Acerbating a splinter That was new and fresh. Or maybe it was the splinter That made the thorn flare up. But anyway, I muttered “God, Why is this necessary?” But I didn’t hear God answer. Instead I heard the mothers Of… Read more
Many have been the mornings When I woke up, Knowing nothing. But precious few have been the mornings When so much nothingness Was a cause for joy. I had everything to learn, How exciting was that! And then I would dive in To the Picoult novel, The Oliver poem, The conversation with a waitress, The… Read more
I’d rather be eating blackberry cobbler and ice cream On my back porch BUT, That would involve planting blackberries, Pruning them and picking them in the hot summer sun. Bringing in the cows from the meadow, Milking them all at sunset, Letting the milk set overnight and letting the cream rise. Gathering the eggs, Splitting… Read more
Hack: as in a substitute; a workaround; Crawling through a window Instead of knocking on the door; Repentance and forgiveness When we have done something wrong; Being loved by God long before We ever heard the name, Jesus. George R. Pasley July 22, 2020 Martin TN
Here’s a “guest poem” for this week. Please be safe, grateful and hopeful -Pastor George Life in the Time of Corona I know deadly viruses can be passed around with deadly ease. But remember, love, so can other things. In better times babies can be passed from loving arms to loving arms, the scent of… Read more
Searching on Pinterest, I found an obelisk in a garden, Filled with sunflowers and vines. All-in-all beautiful, Strong, adaptable, useful and efficient. It could be used for anything, Though maybe not quite What I wanted for my cukes. Still, I like the idea of something useful And lovely too. Something that will support Even better… Read more
It was a mistake To go out for breakfast this morning. Going out for breakfast is for folk Who have time to savor The morning, the Sabbath, The company of food and time. But there was one waitress, Somewhat new to her job, And 15 tables to serve. Almost every one, every one but mine,… Read more
The crops are fair. The grass is green here and there. Neighbors help neighbors. The birds sing. The berries ripen. Tomatoes, soon, Will delight our tongues. Yet this I know, for there are graves fresh-dug. Diagnosis new and grim. Anxieties abound. The only good news, truly, is the resurrection. Rejoice at every chance. Delight at… Read more
“Turn to me and be gracious to me.” Give your strength to your servant.” Save the child of your serving girl.” -Psalms 86:16 Your serving girl may be The least of the servants in your house. Seen and not heard, except to say “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am”. And as for her children, well, Did… Read more
I used to stand on the bridge And watch the water race beneath As fast is it could go. To the sea that was only A few short yards beyond. And I wonder- How far is justice, For the waters still race. How far is peace, For the tide still ebbs. How far is hope,… Read more
The Spirit Intercedes for us, When we do not know What to pray. So what better time than now Not to know? What better time than now To pray? What better time than now For the Spirit to intercede? What better time than now To change the world? George R Pasley June 03, 2020 Martin,… Read more
“Where have all the flowers gone? When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?” -Pete Seeger We may never learn, though the seas rise The rivers flood, the gardens perish And the bees disappear, we may never learn. Though the stones we throw hurt more and more, Though the hospitals overflow Though parents weep… Read more
Maybe, I should have one garden bed That I let go to jungle ( I’m not saying I don’t). One that becomes lush and dark With whatever God grows there While I slumber through the night. One whose secrets are not revealed Until at the first hard frost of autumn, One whose mysteries I will… Read more
O gracious and wonderful God, We are thankful for a LOT! We are thankful for everything we have learned our whole life long, And for everyone who taught us. AND We are grateful that we are still learning, still growing, and still loving each and every day. We are grateful Lord, for every time we… Read more
Because the Journey is long, We need friends. Because friendship is hard work, We need time alone. Because friendship is an art, We need practice. Because life is hard, We need each other. Because one is weak, Another is strong. Because one is suffering, Another chooses to suffer with. Because one has lost the knowledge… Read more
Be happy when you can, And perhaps more than that. Be brave when you must, And certainly even more. Be kind. For God’s sake, be kind. But do not tolerate cruelty, Nor pettiness, Nor greed. Be not afraid to mourn, Nor to speak out, Nor to seek love. Be ready to laugh at yourself, To… Read more
We walk, we live, we sleep In the valley of the shadow of death, Even when our skies are blue Like the eggs in a robin’s nest. And yet on this grey and somber day, And others that have swallowed light, We also walk, and live, and sleep In a valley where dogwood bloom, Where… Read more
Our prayer- The thing our faith hopes of our character- Is that Easter can prove to be with us As Christmas did at Whoville. We yearn to prove That Easter will be Easter, Perhaps version 2.0, Without the lilies, Without the sunrise over the lake, Without the trumpet, Without the choir- More like, the one… Read more
AN ANNOINTING “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” -John 12:3 Who knows where she found the nard, Let alone the money to pay for it. And… Read more
There is now An abiding sense of sorrow, Faint like the dark pre-dawn, In which we mourn Because we will soon lose Someone whose name We do not yet know. This grief will not be shaken- Yet, let us turn not to fear. Let us turn instead to love. Love all that you know Or… Read more
03/25/2020 Sorting through some old poems, I found some old memories. Some of them made me blush and Some of them made me smile. Some marked the trail Where I had given up And gone home. Some recorded my innocence, And others my guilt. But they all reminded me Where we’ve been. And now they… Read more
If there is no God, then we are in deep, deep trouble. For there is indeed a devil who lives in our collective capacity. To lie, ignore, curse, to abuse, destroy, maim, to belittle, slander, deny, to be altogether un-human and inhumane. Therefore I will believe if for no other reason, than to do battle… Read more
A Benediction for St. Patrick Let those who have never known hunger Set down their forks. Let those who have never known cruelty Go as a stranger, alone, to a far place Where they speak a different tongue. Let those who have never known pain Don boot and gloves, take up their shovels And dig… Read more
Somehow this old poem seemed like the right thing for an election day submission. The first phrase- “There’s no such thing as bead weather, only bad gear” was often expressed by the fishermen and women in Alaska… There’s no such thing as bad weather, Only bad gear – So we dress for work, Or we… Read more
Thinking about Ash Wednesday I recalled glimpses, Bright moments over the year When I saw people, Young and old, Wise and foolish, Male and female As they might be, As they could be And it filled my heart with joy. But in the same moment I recalled Memories of myself, At my worst, Mean, spiteful,… Read more
Ordinary, from the Latin: Order, to rule, Ordinary, one who rules So to order one’s life Is to govern it; To follow an ordinary Is to be governed. Ordinary time, then, Is anything but ordinary, Unless our Ordinary is ordinary, As in lacking uniqueness. But if your Ordinary Is the one who forgave sinners, The… Read more
Open a book, And you are invited To enter a story. Say a prayer, Sing a hymn, Recite the creed, Read a bible verse, Cry for mercy, Ponder the news And you, and I, Are invited to enter Into the story Jesus told, The Good News That the Kingdom is at hand, That we matter,… Read more
I’ve seen so many rainy days, And despite this being one more Again this year, Despite so many plans That must be put on hold, This memory persists- I, sitting in my den mother’s living room, Watching the rain as I waited for my ride, My interior self, finding A place to sit in all… Read more
I am not blameless, Nor bold, Nor as wise as I’d like to be (perhaps not even close), Practicing kindness often wearies me, And doing my little bit of justice While the world burns’ Seems like Whistling in the graveyard- So, What are we to do? Blessed are all Who seem overpowered And underequipped, Said… Read more