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Steve Page Dec 2024
You can only weigh the smoke
after the ashes.

You can only measure the man
after the tears.
Walter Raleigh had a wager that he could weigh the smoke from his piped tobacco.  Look it up - he won the bet by weighing the ashes.
Steve Page Dec 2024
There's a home I know where you'll find a hallway
Full of shoes and possibilities.
And an at-the-door a greeting leading to a family
Of amazing abilities, excelling in humility
Which I think is key to the near lack of hostilities
(given the number of siblings).

There's a home I know, crammed full of creativity
Exhibiting an intensity of ability
To fill the week's itinerary with spirit-led opportunities
To reflect their creator-charged curiosities
Feeding into gifted virtuosities
And long stretches of physical activities.

For example: you can taste it in the culinary.
Sense it in the musicality.
Hear it in the scratch of poetry.
See it in the smiles of story.
In the sighs of reading deeply.
In the care of cutting edge art creatively.
In the assists that deliver with accuracy.
In the allotment, tending their nursery.

You can see it in the inter-connecting
Found in faithfully praying
Hands holding, heads bowing,
Tears intersecting while seeking
The Father's counselling
And while boldly telling
Of the sudden joys and blessings
Encountered in everyday living.

Here's a family I call family
Who quietly live passionately
With no apology for the sincerity
Of their love and their daily seeking
Of their Father's leading.

Here's a family living godlily
Pointing to a greater glory
With the church-wide family
Where we'll all be feasting
At the great family wedding
Eternally.
For my dear friends, the Burton family, whose adjective is 'generous'.
Steve Page Dec 2024
Still yourself. And this time
look the poem straight in the eyes.
Don't let it stare you down.
Face its challenge head on.

Show respect, yes. But show no fear.
Still yourself, calm yourself
and offer yourself as a friend.
Give it time to close the distance,

watch how it softens under your focus.
Slow your breath, synchronise
and only then - gently, patiently
reach out and let it engage.

Let it come to you.
Still yourself in its majesty,
it may surprise you.
Listening to Simon Armitage on BBC Radio 4: My poetry and other animals.
Steve Page Dec 2024
Searching for a piece of the puzzle
Pondering the last cryptic clue
Rethinking your intended tactics
Selecting the right block to remove

Whatever choice you're facing
Whatever age you are
Remember that it's just for fun
She's still your sweet old grandma
Memories of underhand tactics from the older generation.
Steve Page Dec 2024
God came in three –
they set aside time and space
for collaborative creativity

God came in three -
and in that 'us', 'our' and 'we'
they metaphor’d mutuality

God came in three -
advocated once and for all
a celebration of plurality

God came in three -
illustrated that all families
are a godly thingamy

God came in three -
they invited us, you and me
to join them for eternity
Genesis 1: 26.
Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, ...
See also Gen 3.22.
Steve Page Dec 2024
Children understand loveliness.
They recognise the aroma,
the touch of love,
the echo of hearts
that rise to adore.

Children understand loveliness.
They recognise the savour,
the weight of feast,
the press of voices
that sing with laughter.

Children understand loveliness.
They recognise Christmas
within the heat,
the fire and glory
of Christ's forgiveness.

Children understand Christmas.
Look to them.
First line from a radio chat.  I took it from there.
Steve Page Dec 2024
Can soft and quiet sing loud and strong?
Can self-possessed burn hot lifelong?

Can serious hearts giggle delight?
Can gentle spirits fight for right?

Can loving souls know good anger?
Can wind-filled sails stow good anchor?

They not only can, but will again.
I've seen it within the clan Del Ben.
Ode to dear friends, whose adjectives are 'gentle' and 'strong'.
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