Judy sang about where I fly
in that famous song about Oz.
That I’m called the harbinger of happiness
causes me to pause.
But my friend here cares so well for me, I’ve no reason to roam.
As you can see by my carefree grin, there’s really no place like Gnome.
© Joel Tipple
298
Two ballerinas
caught in a pirouette,
one leg down, on which they balance,
the other…
Okay, I know there are a lot of feet up in the air,
but you’ve got to imagine there are only two legs for each dancer.
Otherwise how can we compare these fuchsia flowers to dancers?
Just go with it, okay?
Thank you for your support.
© Joel Tipple
297
You overlook the garden
and the porch handrail.
Together with your ravens,
off on a sail.
Though I’ve never seen a page turn
or heard a sound from your birds,
I thought for sure you glanced up once,
just at the moment I turned.
You three sail the world
with your concrete tome.
Though as anyone can see
you’d find it difficult to roam.
I take those journeys also,
but I’m jealous of your commitment.
But then perhaps you are jealous of me,
living my life not cemented.
© Joel Tipple
296
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Romans 10:15 ESV (English Standard Version)
Blessed are
the feet of those
who bring good news
and a light to shine in the darkened places.
Blessed are
the hands of those
who labor tirelessly
for those with weary faces.
We don’t always see
the ones spreading hope
of a destiny
many thought went missing long ago.
Sometimes thinly disguised,
contained within caring eyes,
and conversations that go beyond
the surface,
to communicate the saving message
for both kings and vagabonds.
© Joel Tipple
ink impediment
log-jammed idea river fount
reason for rhyme
© Joel Tipple
I’m not spokes to be in love
with my bicycle
It’s not natural
or the norm
In fact I see nothing about my bike that resembles the female form
So I suppose it’s a friend kind of love
that I feel about my Trek
even though you can’t say it’ll come rolling
when I call and beck
Still we’ve shared many miles
and weather
and time
and I’m sure many other things
that probably don’t rhyme
It’s a good relationship
that pays healthy dividends
Let’s all lift an electrolyte filled water bottle
in lieu of that champagne glass.
© Joel Tipple
Have you ever felt like you’re underwater
but so unequipped to swim?
Have you ever believed the world walking by
knows some secret way to fit in?
Don’t buy into the message society likes to sell,
the story that goes: Buy our car, wear our clothes, eat our food
and all will be well.
Never enough
What the world sells
Never enough
though your accounts are topped over
Never enough
to buy your freedom from fear
Never enough
You must be new here,
’cause sooner or later everyone learns
things
are never enough.
© Joel Tipple
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV (English Standard Version)
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world
1 John 2:16 ESV
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14 ESV (English Standard Version)
Perfect in your imperfection,
drawn by an unseen hand,
such a body of work as you are
is a challenge to understand.
Are you accidental?
Cosmic dust from space?
Do you suppose all the bits of you
just self-arranged in place?
I believe you’re wonderful,
not an accident at all,
God’s placed unique purpose within
the vehicle that holds it all.
The spark of redemption
from the artist of the universe
will always renew and bring to life
God’s intention built in from the first.
© Joel Tipple
If the season you’re going
through seems cooler,
and small is the fire
in your hearth,
abide in the Lord,
make Him your refuge.
Stoke the fire
in your heart.
© Joel Tipple
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2 ESV (English Standard Version)
Resting in the knowledge
that it’s not just talk.
My reality is
God is my rock.
A lot of people are tossed about
fretful because of the news:
war and destruction
in this world.
But in the final analysis
only one house will remain,
and that belongs to the Lord.
© Joel Tipple
Write here, Joel. 