Spring 2021 – Awake Our Hearts

Necessity

Necessity by Jennie Cesario I watched at a window, a twin winging each hip, as they hollowed you from the earth, careful as surgeons, a dozen work-booted men, each jumping on his own shovel. The man-in-charge, the one who’d driven by the week before and offered us the money, had a sixth-sense about margins: theContinue reading “Necessity”

Incarnate

Incarnate by Leslie A. McLeod Feet that walk in Garden cool, Stride atop tempestuous seas. Voice that speaks Creation’s all. Hands smear clay: a blind man sees. Weary head on pillow stone, Laughing eyes in knowing love, Jordan’s droplets in his hair Spirit-kissed by Heaven’s dove. Borrowed flesh paid debts not owed: Shattered torso, hands,Continue reading “Incarnate”

The Crumbling Mess of My Heart

The Crumbling Mess of My Heart by Sharla Fritz Ruins everywhere. As I walk the site of an ancient city in Israel, I sigh at the sight of destruction. I see nothing left but stacks of well-worn stone. Tumbled-down walls of rock. Debris from past lives. Remnants of greatness. These disintegrating leftovers of a townContinue reading “The Crumbling Mess of My Heart”

The Women Heard

The Women Heard by Michelle Henrichs ”Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared.” (Luke 24:1, CEB) The women heard that something happened in the garden after dinner. The men were overcome by exhaustion unable to keep watch. ThereContinue reading “The Women Heard”

Restoration

Restoration by Hadassah Treu I need you in the ruins of my heart, in all the wounded, desolated places where darkness comes in as a flood, I need your tender, healing grace. Restore the ruins of my life search out all the cracks and gaps, invade them, filling them with light, erase all paths toContinue reading “Restoration”

Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens by Chavon Barry I stare out the backseat van window spotted with raindrops that enlarge and then race in forked patterns over the glass. Ready, set, go. I tease two twin dots. They accept my challenge and fall. I can’t tell which one wins. One curves left and the other slowlyContinue reading “Better Homes and Gardens”