Author Archives: jackpelham

Too few have the elusive spark that drives them Beyond the necessary to the meaningful—From the sanctuary of self to the garden of others. How sweet it is, then, that such gardeners might perchanceFind one another along the way and … Continue reading →

Someday, after we have cleaned the garageAnd fixed the old lawnmower—After we’ve taken the kids to the Grand CanyonAnd fixed up the old family photo album—When things settle down after thatAnd we’ve caught up on the knittingAnd finish entering our … Continue reading →

In our culture, overcoming a problemIs a great accomplishment and is worthOne hundred awesome points. And blaming someone else for itIs worth a thousand.

The fool will laugh and scoffAnd think you an idiot when heSees you being careful to vetThe thing he believed on a whim, Simply because he heard it. But let the thing be something False about him and see if … Continue reading →

Man with the Cat. See credit. One could tell that the man was intriguedAt having the truth in the room from time to time,But he never warmed up to the idea ofHaving it move in, and would oftenPut it out … Continue reading →

If your plan requires That people have to change In order to get it done—

Surely there is nothing wrongWith either my church or yours.

By the most peculiar coincidence,I know of a great many churchesThat adamantly remind the worldThat no one can earn his own salvation,And zero churches that teach that he can.

Now let us watch the man and seeWhether he takes a notion To make himself any betterBy use of whatever he learns along the way—Or what excuse he gives if he does not.

Something tips the balanceFrom a matter-of-fact acknowledgment Of what the others are doing wrongTo a bitter rage about it. And though I cannot say what all may cause it,It seems to happen most commonly When one’s own shortcomings and sins … Continue reading →