Author Archives: jackpelham

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

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.

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 →

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.

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 →

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.

The American love of freedom is a curious affairSince we are not nearly as free from tyrannyAs we like to think we are—And as we have so much more freedom to thinkThan we ever seem to use.

He is fooled by the familiar formInto thinking that as he readsHe must also be understanding.

When reading a passage in the BibleWhat person is there who can set asideWhat he wants it to meanOr expects it to meanOr thought it meant yesterdayOr has always heard that it meansOr what his friends want it to mean? … Continue reading →