Author Archives: jackpelham

An Arrow Can Only Be Shot…

I’m pondering this meme I found on Facebook: This thought is not ready for publication. It’s sloppy, and has some flaws that weaken its impact considerably. Let me make some general observations first, and then we’ll look at the stumbling … Continue reading

Leave a comment

Such Great Zeal

Such great zeal she hasTo get the one thing just rightBut not the other.

Leave a comment

The Stumbling Block of God’s Vulnerability

That God makes himself vulnerable—That he puts himself out there, available to be abused—Is surely a stumbling block to thoseWho find exposure a disagreeable policyFor their own lives.

Leave a comment

It Is Nothing for Him

The one who has to shovel the snowLearns not to walk upon it firstAs it turns to ice and makesThe shoveling harder.

Leave a comment

Sometimes the Dementors

Sometimes the dementors descend upon you from the skies—Sucking from your face the last of your joy and will to live. And sometimes they do it from the lectern.

Leave a comment

Some Cannot Hear

Some cannot hear that it is out of tuneOr out of tone or time or spirit, even—Because they were never taughtTo hear such things. And I wonder at what fires Might be lit in their soulsIf someone were to teach … Continue reading

Leave a comment

There is the Thrill

There is the thrill of hearing a notePlayed with spirit and keenly in tune!And as surely, the opposite makes Its impression upon the soul, too.

Leave a comment

How A Grown Man

Funny how a grown manCan be pouting on the insideSo deep down that he will neverRealize it in a hundred grouchy years—And if you asked him he’d probablyDeny it—clueless soul that he is—Unless he goes down thereOn purpose to find … Continue reading

Leave a comment

Little Fish Band Together

Leave a comment

Stand Back, Friends!

Stand back, friends! The human is loading to thinkAnd has little idea whereHe’s pointing that thingOr what makes it go off. He’s still a little shakyOn the details—On whether it isThe readyThe aimOr the fireThat should come first.

Leave a comment