I play the part of an earthbound
stone you the part of the moon
in this silent ceaseless standoff
As a rock an oversized pebble
I’m kicked along some city sidewalk
rolling into a ditch from which
I see the curve of your shoulder
turned away high beyond wispy clouds
If I could be a monument
or stone floor where bent knees bleed
might I gain your notice?
If I were bolder I’d cry out
complain of your inattention
yet who am I to dispute? You know
me as well as you knew the hand
reaching for the fruit
If I were a mountain or craggy
coast would you command me
to fall into the sea? Could I dare pray
with your face full on me?
Your distance is just a pose mine
a fallacy I think it mercy
that you feign to turn away
D.s.Martin’s poem has the true essence of Donne’s related poem. Such a pleasure reading his poems and seeing the words arranged on the page. The right words in the right place that enlighten our knowledge ofGod and ourselves as on our walk with him. Wonderful series
Yes. This is the way the heart ponders the astounding aspects of salvation–the relationship between God and man…
My heart was in agreement…
To navigate relational distances as well as intimacy, in Donne’s day as well as our own—how constant (yet invitational!) the soulful journey.
I especially needed this line today:
“You know
me as well as you knew the hand
reaching for the fruit”
AND then . . . that profound closing line!
Thank you, D.S.; thank you, RJ, for this compelling series!
How well this poem shows the relationship between God and man. No sentimentality, just images that give us a sense of things. It’s a one sided conversation, all about relationship without a word from God. Yet we get it. It rings true.