The Amateur Psychologist Visits the Beach

Somewhere in this lake there's a song
But it's too expensive; I can't afford it.
If I throw enough stones in,
Will you sing it to me?

America's no good; this water's too shiny.
What did you say your name was?
You live alone?
Me too -- I live with some --
Alone, me too.

I've been here a while. Long enough.
Are you going to sing, or what?
Whatever's in your head --
Doesn't matter, just sing.

[Dedicated to my friend Jimmy, who might or might not have PTSD]

Reflections on Psalm 23

[Written in the Cascade People's Center P-Patch on a Wednesday not too long ago]

Lord, you are my shepherd
I shall not be in want.
You make me lie down on sunny benches
You lead me beside upstanding irises.
You restore my soul.

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies,
And then invite all of us to sit and eat.
You lead me in paths of righteousness,
And although I do not know the way I do know the Way.

You quiet my doubts and you stroke my hair
You send me your Spirit to water the dusty, hard-packed ground
You anoint my head with oil.
You wash my feet and you hold my hand.

You sing through my voice
And shine through my smile
My cup runs over
And over and over and over again.
I will never run out
And there's more than enough to share.

Surely goodness! And mercy!
Will follow after me, skipping and twirling
Flinging seeds everywhere
Every day of my life
And I will dwell in your house, my Love,
my Lord. Forever!

Hallelujah!