Below is a sample of the method I use throughout the book, PARTLY BROKEN POEMS
The Beggarly Artist
HOSEA 14:3,8
“We will never again say ‘Our gods’ to what our hands have made.”
“I will answer and care for him… your fruitfulness comes from me.”
MARK 12:34
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him,
“You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
Jesus was here another time and
the beggarly artist dropped his broken tools
and ran to meet the Lord.
“Master”, he called out, “have mercy on me
a poor and desperate sinner!
This studio is only a prison without you
and I, the trapped warden and inmate,
fashion artifacts of no meaning for
gods who do not care.
Remember my first childish scribbles?
It was your Spirit who wrapped my fingers
around the crayon that started this
artist's journey.
But I forgot my fountain,
my only source of life.
Fear and rivalry tainted
my craft and injured my brother’s
heart.
All creativity went pale, and
I buried my art which
already fainted and died
on the vine you once planted.
Hear me Lord!
I am so removed from love's passion
that I would gladly sacrifice my tools
to gain it back again.
Give me a small job.
Make me a doorkeeper in your house
(I am suited for nothing more.)
Then I could at least greet
people on their way in and out
from your presence
and feel the second-hand glow
of your closer friends."
Jesus looked at the beggarly artist
and loved him – as of old.
“No child,” he said,
“you are not far from
the kingdom
and no -
I have no small job
for you.
For you are called to be
a light to the nations,
a light that shines
all the brighter
for having been reclaimed
from darkness.
Go back now,
fix your broken tools,
and come follow me.”
AMEN.
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