Poetry
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Table
How do you describe a space That is the same regardless of location? This plane we seat ourselves before Wields an enchantment, Capturing us in conversation, Building families of all kinds. Each time, we leave different than we came– Full in stomach and in heart. All I know: we’re invited to a feast, Which I Continue reading
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Letting Go
When I was five, it was easy to give You the reigns. I was small and weak, And I held so little in my power, It seemed such a simple request to satisfy. I gained Eternity for a pittance. But I began to grow up And Responsibility and Privilege Well, they grew with me. I Continue reading
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Immanuel
עִמָּנוּאֵל I’ve been whispering it for years, Sheltering in place: God with us, God with us. Immanuel has been my comfort In dark places. But this sign grows still greater: Immanuel, Immanuel is a promise, And a battle cry. Immanuel Is my sword and my shield. Whom shall I fear? God is with me. Continue reading
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Mandatum Novum
Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, and no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory. You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ And it shall Continue reading
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Washing
The new-white sheets billow on the clotheslines of my neighbors, Gracefully proclaiming the dirt washed away From a multitude of places. My own line seems empty by comparison: One sock and a pillowcase Leaving everyone and mostly myself to wonder Just how much laundry has been left undone. Continue reading
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The Smell of Friday
Coffee. Black. Dew-watered grass breathing into the air. Exhaust fumes from a truck labeled Rocket Rooter. Coffee. Fruit Loops in a plastic bag, Birthday donuts, Sneaky chocolate bar. Coffee. Afternoon sunshine, Wind filled with leaves and grass. Sweat. So much sweat. Soccer cleats in sports bags falling from lockers. Eraser dust, Felt-tip pen: lime green. Continue reading
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Both at Once
I’ve been calling them my Attitude Class. I named them for their hinge, Which bends this one way for now, But tantalizes me with the potential for a reversal. The challenge of them crowds my mind. I feel for the other classes; The very joy they bring Is what allows me to rest from them. Continue reading
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Clear, now.
Tell me, what is it Which moves me, Here, now. If I were a photographer, I’d picture The grasses and trees Scenting the pitch night air, And me: Hair blown in eyes, nose, mouth, Arms out and up, Catching sticky, humid air, Asking for a way to feel Which does not lead to heart, chest, Continue reading
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Thankful
For the usual things Made more special for their expectedness: Family Friends Food. For things beautiful and strange: Books with voices that strengthen my own; An orange cat with winsome determination; Crackling fires facilitating laughter and conversation. And for things unusual: Love beyond measure, And grace that finds us Even in the midst of our Continue reading
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Still Learning
They didn’t teach me How best to express an ache For people I don’t know, Or how to help heal a wound That never closes. They didn’t teach me Five steps to fix an evil next door And a continent away. But they did teach me how to love They taught me to stand up Continue reading
About Me
I’m Stephanie – a perpetual student and aspiring hobbit. I love language, literature, and theology. I’m happiest when surrounded with good food, good company, and things that grow.
Beautiful Dust 