Other Foundation No Man Can Lay Than That Is Laid, Which Is Jesus Christ

What three little pigs! what Gadarene swine!
gath'ring stubble but leaving bricks behind.
Pearl-tramplers! Babel-builders!
Woe unto you, straw-and-stick gilders!

Fire shall reveal by huff and by puff:
tabernacle, pig-sty, temple or trough.
Himself shall be saved, as yet by a flame--
or cooked for the wolf, a honey-baked ham.

Lament for the Orphaned Father

In the morning we read of Jephthah's daughter,
wondering why no deus ex machina
and whether the-Lord-will-provide
ceases at the foot of Mount Moriah.

In the evening we visit Jephthah, father,
wondering why?
and whether Deus is machine
for having taken daughter
two-months plus bewailing
not on mountain, but in nursing home.

Dust Thou Art, and unto Dust Thou Shalt Return

The ash fades fast, the fast to ashes--
Sunday's palms to Friday's lashes.
Penitents kneel in humbled masses
for recycled palms--the lash that blesses.

Get Behind Me, Satan!

Serpent Satan, tempted Christ, bow in worship, skip the cross Conquer cities, kingdoms, nations—

Simon Peter, belied the Teacher: grasp at godhood omit the good. stay, prolong Transfiguration.

Not My Will, but Thine Be Done

David breached in Bethlehem;
Jacob moved to Egypt;
Moses led as prophet-priest;
Elijah boasted Spirit.
The Word was made flesh--
not active voice!
Why type-cast Christ
with pow'r and choice?

Consider Ruth;
remember Ester:
obedient servants,
intercessors.
For Jesus was not Joseph's
but was his mother's son.
He was taught by Woman Wisdom--
the passive voice, Thy will be done.