Dedicated to Imogen Isobel Anderson

I’m imagining, wee Imogen,
how you will touch our lives
with images of how much we are loved
by a Father we have never seen
who demonstrates His care
through daily mercies we’re most needful of.

Precious Imogen, your Papou
is ecstatic with delight
as I contemplate the moments we will share.
Those dimples that define your face
remind me of your mom
who grew up way too fast with years to spare.

And so I pledge, granddaughter dear,
to cherish every day
the Lord allows me to be here with you.
I want to be a means of grace
by which your faith will grow
before my days on earth are finally through.

*Little Imogen was born to my daughter and her husband on January 8, 2017 (Epiphany Sunday)

The Salvation Army bells make music all year long

The kettle bells of General Booth
that ring at Christmastime
are heard long after New Year’s is rung in.
They echo in the hopeful hearts
of those who’ve lost it all
who long for help so they can start again.

We hear them ringing in our heads
when we’ve gone back to work
and picture homeless folks without a job.
Those tiny bells still signal hope
when they’ve been packed away
for hungry street kids who don’t want to rob.

Those little bells amazingly
peal loudly in our ears
for they’re declaring war on poverty.
They call to mind God’s faithful troops
who fight against-all-odds
to shelter, feed and clothe with charity.

Salvation Army volunteers
who brave the cold and rain
are soldiers of compassion with a bell.
Their one-note rhapsody recalls
the good news of God’s love
that takes a preacher all twelve months to tell.