Pantoum

Advent Hope for All

/ M McKinnell

I wrote the first version of this pantoum in Advent 2018 - and share it publicly for the first time in these opening few days of the Advent season. It's written for all for whom it has been a difficult year:

First Stanza

Our prayer is answered, and God will bring us home -
life's journey's not meant for travelling alone.
Our task, to listen, trust, and connect with God once more,
as God, again, sends the love, peace and hope that is His Son.

A Beautiful Invite

/ M McKinnell

A pantoum reflecting on the power of an invitation, the love of friends, and a renewed hearing of the spirit's call to serve when one is healing from the oppressive behaviour of another:

First Stanza

A beautiful invite that mends shattered spirits
as layers of forced burden begin shedding away.
God’s healing touch working, making us whole –
light starts to crack open the oppressor’s doom.

Jesus’ Life – An act of Love!

/ M McKinnell

A pantoum based on John 3:14-21, the Gospel for this Sunday (Lent 4, Yr B)

First Stanza:

When Jesus comes to us as an act of love –
we’re used to a society that loves to judge.
In every aspect of our lives – how we look and what we do or say –
life’s a competition – full of hierarchy ladders.

For a New Day

/ M McKinnell

(Written December, 2020 - based on Psalm 118:1-29)

First Stanza:

Let me say, “Help me to start the day!”
when I feel all alone, with the whole world to fight;
when all I can think about are bad things I’ve done –
Though the brutal honesty makes me want to hide!

Witness in the Wilderness

/ M McKinnell

(Written February, 2021
Scripture references: Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)

It’s humbling to witness Jesus in the wilderness –
He has such strength, such courage, a peacefulness.
No challenge, not even the devil, can break him down –
Just one sharp rebuke removing temptation from His thought.