Here is the second of the five dialogues on the two great commandments I described in my last post. The poems are taken from my new book Parable and Paradox, available from Amazon or on order from any bookshop. do come to the launch at Girton college on 14th June at 5:15 if you are free. This sequence will also feature on my new record Songs and Sonnets. Click here to learn more and support the project if you wish. This second poem in the series reflects on what it might mean to love with all my soul. As always you can hear the poem by clicking on the title or the play button.
With all my soul? I scarcely know my soul.
The age I live in doesn’t think it’s there,
They cut me up, where you would make me whole,
And think your promise only empty air.
They say I’m hormones, chemical extremes,
Enzymes unwinding blindly, selfish genes,
Just empty gestures and repeated memes.
With all my soul? I don’t know what that means.
Before the first life stirred my spirit called you,
I knew you when I wove you in the dark,
I made you more than all the forms that mould you,
And kindled in your depth my hidden spark
So let them say your soul is empty air,
Love with your soul and you will know its there.
Ha, chemical extremes? No you are poetic extremes..with extreme being a positive in this realm. And it is lovely how His spark is kindled in you.
Thanks Jeanette. I am often caught in possession of mind-expanding poetry!
back at it tomorrow morning in Malcolm land.
Looking forward to how this all comes together. I’ll send you the full 7 I AM Sayings right away!!
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Great look forward to it!
This is wonderful, Malcolm. Integrity. ‘With all my soul, I don’t know what it means’…Your poetry blesses and lifts me so much. I’ve been sharing with a group of Mothers and fathers of kids with SEN and they too are being really taught and encouraged by your insights and your magical (holy?) way with words. Water into wine comes to mind. Hoping your tough term is getting better Lots of love Sally Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Sally that’s hugely encouraging! M