VITAL MEANING

That God could write
with a universe,
prolific, terse,
in matter and light,

is mystery to a creature
who is merely equipped
to read from script,
not by nature,

but by ordinance
in dim-lit rooms
where one assumes
by force of persistence

that ways of knowing
are consigned to books
or study nooks
or forms as limiting.

But the cosmos shouts
a thesis; clear
to all who hear,
there are not doubts

of the hidden character,
the godly quality,
and timeless authority
of the world’s Maker.

Not with platitude,
but with a force
that contests the course
of turpitude,

Creation, profuse
with vital meaning,
leaves us reeling—
without excuse.

Contemporary Rhyme Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2006

THE OCCASIONAL FIRE

POEMS
Life Scroll
Spirit Wings
Death in the Family
Flight Chief
Legacy
Honeymoon Photo, October, 1939
49 Chevy
The Seed of Me
Land of Rest
On Allison's Leaving
Telecom's Bequest
Starbucks, Tuesday, 3:36 p.m.
Action Still
Vital Meaning
Fools

HYMNS
God will not let us go
The rising sun blazed out of night
Light! Light! A shattering light
Worship the Lord
As a doe

ABOUT MARK RHOADS