The Timber
with the poignant love
of one who knows
the pain that is to come
he fingered
the grain of the wood
touched it
reverently
felt every nuance of its texture
ran his hand
along its roughness
gazed
at its patterning
saw deep below
its splintered outer surface
to the beauty
at its heart
pressed his face
against the timber
felt the strength of it
breathed in the smell of it
buried his mind
in its touch and its scent
a soft
woody fragrance
stirring echoes
of childhood
memories of
the toddler in the sawdust
at his father’s feet
images of youth
the young man
learning the carpenter’s trade
but knowing
always knowing
there was other work
for him to do
and his mother
speaking softly
telling
and re-telling
again and again
always with affection
the story
of the manger
a crib at his birth
a cross at his death
timber
framing his life
his whole history
flashed across his mind
as he fingered
held
breathed in the scent of
the wood
memories
mingling with the pain
there was something
completely right
about this death which was his destiny
he was ready
now was the hour
he stooped
to shoulder a piece of wood
for one last time
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Vaughan Park Scholarship
In early 2010, I had the privilege of studying and writing at Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre in New Zealand where I studied the power of imaginative contemplation with the scriptures to facilitate healing.
Retreat Leading
Since 2004, I have worked as a Christian Writer and Retreat Leader.
I specialise in weaving contemporary poetry, scripture and contemplative meditations into retreat times and my retreats are usually aimed at helping others to deepen their relationship with God and to receive his healing love.
I am always open to discuss ways in which I might be able to help those seeking a retreat leader, or seeking to find a suitable retreat for themselves, so please do get in touch.
Please support me by praying for my ministry.
I'll be posting my latest news and prayer requests on this site.
Thank you ...
Read My Poetry Online
Prayerful Moments Page
Head over here to see it a series of Prayerful Moments created to help people find their 'calm place' during the pandemic.
Email Me
Click here to visit my contact form page.
Interesting Web Links
- ArtServe
- Association of Christian Writers
- Audri Coleman - Book Cover Design
- Bible Concordance
- Crucifixion Tree wood sculpture
- Greenbelt
- Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
- Inspiring Calm - CDs for meditation & prayer
- Julian Meetings
- New Wine Summer Conferences
- Retreats Association
- Sacred Space - lovely online prayer
- Shoreline Conversations
- Shoreline Editions
- Simply Healing (The Order of Jacob's Well)
- The artwork of Mary Fleeson - Lindisfarne Scriptorium
- The artwork of Peter Millward
- The Coverdale Trust (who are supporting me)
Photo Credit
The photo at the top of this page is courtesy of David Beale.
Thank you David.