OUT OF THE RESTLESS AIR
rather than turning to the more pressing matter of
worship
or guiding those irregular in their attendance
what else do we do
in all the cars racing past the meetinghouse
on First-day morning?
in many ways, my neighbors are strangers
more fugitive than I am
* * *
free gospel ministry
“in the faith that is Christ Jesus”
captures more madness than each individual requires
* * *
O Holy One, draw forth
new aspirants
out of the restless air
into service
NOW TO BE HONEST
if I reprimand you
after you sin against me
or against others
if you acknowledge our interaction
if I admit to myself what you’ve done
or my participation
one will invite Revelation
now be honest
adapting
to
change
MONTHLY, QUARTERLY, YEARLY
punctual attendance at Meeting for Business is
important
as worship
for to love is finding work
also
there unmasked, when failing
a shining model of uprightness
and moderation
this purposing of expectation
coming to befriend each other
in daily labor and dreaming
vigilant close labor with any who slight
the holy standard
purposing
a forgiving spirit cherished by the whole
to resume anew
aggregating strength
for individual tribulations
where you’d otherwise succumb
* * *
the old pendulum, tick-tock
causes more than one who attends
to sit on the far side of the unadorned room
and that’s their business