The season of Lent is once again upon us, and I find myself in the familiar rhythm of life—preparing for spring and writing. Last year I shared about my tradition of poetry writing during the seasons of Lent and Advent, which you can read here if you’re curious about some of my upbringing in the church. Even as I write this post, I’m realizing that I never shared any of my advent poems from 2023, so perhaps they’ll surface another time.

2024 marks a milestone of sorts—it was ten years ago that I first began setting aside daily time to write poetry, which feels like an incredibly long time. That first year, I was overseas on a choir tour of Ireland, England, and Wales during the Lenten season. Perhaps writing kept me grounded when I was so far from home. Or perhaps I just wanted something to do on the bus rides when the rest of my friends wanted to gossip. Regardless of the reason, I’ve continued the tradition ever since because it does feel like a homecoming every season.

This year, I’ve titled my 40 Days collection Found Objects because poetry to me is the art of making the ordinary extraordinary. Like a “found object” in art, everyday items hold deeper meanings than we may give them credit for. I seek to draw out the beauty behind the things that our Creator, the ultimate Artist, gave us to steward and enjoy. And I hope in doing so, I can help others draw a little closer to the light.

Tulips and Roses | Day 1
Of all the ways to express love
Flowers say so much
With so few words
Love and devotion
Care and affection
Just like the loving touch
Of a mother’s hand
A warm embrace
From a friend
And an act of service
Speaks volumes
Without uttering a sound

Mosaic | Day 2
I often came here in my youth,
This butterfly garden hidden among
Walking trails and playgrounds
Under the cool shade of the trees
Finding comfort
In the unchanging rhythm of nature
And now, my own children
Wander its paths
Like a dream from long ago
I encounter this place anew each visit
Every return adding another piece
To the grander whole
Maybe returning is as simple as
Convenience and familiarity
Or maybe there’s something else at work
A Master’s hand over the stones
Each piece, through jagged, fitting in
To form a beautiful completion

At first glance, broken pieces
At closer look, a masterpiece

Bookmark | Day 3
Bookmarks are a reminder
To pause and reflect
Taking time to ponder
How the author fit together
A story
Or the way the words
Weave beauty
What an art, the act of waiting
Of taking time unmoving
To be still in expectation
Setting aside our daily tasks
And unending worry over progress
To rest

Sandbox | Day 4
Some days feel like
Trying to empty a sandbox
With a child’s pail
Each scoop brings me no closer
To the finish,
But is work all the same
All the endless striving
For what?
Then again,
A sandbox is a place
Of endless possibility
Because filled,
There is so much potential for building
Which makes me wonder if
I’m going about it all wrong
Maybe instead of trying
To clear away the dirt
I should be building magnificent castles

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