Jnana Hodson- Three Poems

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