poem
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A Sonnet for Finding Delight in Diligence
Do you ever have days when getting through your regular routine feels like a triumph of the human spirit? When leaving the office or studio makes you want to scream like Tim Robbins at the end of The Shawshank Redemption? I am at the end of a busy season filled with choir concerts, church services, Continue reading
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“O Come, O Come, Behold Emmanuel”: A Sonnet for Good Friday
I was reflecting on the “O Antiphons” today, those ancient prayers that inspired the familiar Advent carol, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” As it is Good Friday, though, I began to wonder how the Messianic titles of the “O Antiphons” might inform a consideration of the cross. As so often happens, this contemplative exercise produced Continue reading
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A Poem for the Day after Palm Sunday
I recently saw the sharp contrast between Palm Sunday and Passion Week described as “liturgical whiplash,” which seems just about right. The day following Palm Sunday always leaves me contemplative, struck anew by the fickleness of the crowd as they turn from cheering to jeering, from “Hosanna!” to “Crucify him!” But because we know how Continue reading
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Review: “The Soul in Paraphrase” by Leland Ryken
I am deep in a study of pastors who were also poets. The Soul in Paraphrase: A Treasury of Classic Devotional Poems by Leland Ryken has proven to be not only a helpful resource for this project, but a devotional source that I anticipate enjoying for years to come. About The Soul in Paraphrase takes Continue reading
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Early Christmas Gifts + Road Trip Entertainment
Happy Thanksgiving week! Since this week marks the start of the Christmas season for many of us, I wanted to share a few recommendations to get you in the holiday spirit and—for those of you who are traveling—to help pass the hours. In the spirit of early Christmas, I’d like to give you a few Continue reading
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Autumn’s Lament: A Sonnet
It’s been a bit since I’ve shared any poetry, but my oak trees are crimsoning so I couldn’t resist scribbling a sonnet about the beauty of autumn, the ugliness of dying, and the hope of resurrection. And yes, “crimsoning” is a word. Isn’t it lovely? It conveys the progressive blush of the autumn foliage and Continue reading
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Publication Update – The Common Table
I’m happy to report that my poem, “Holy Saturday,” was recently published in Covenant Seminary’s student magazine, The Common Table. You can read my work and that of my peers at the following link: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68689962/the-common-table-issue-8 Continue reading
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Crushed – Poetry as a Holy Week Discipline
I’m convinced that if you ponder any aspect of Scripture long enough, you’ll discover a poem waiting to be written. Not that I believe this sonnet of mine is all that great, but writing it was a devotional act. Imagining the withering fronds abandoned after the Triumphal Entry propelled me deeper into the narrative. Regardless Continue reading
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I Was There – Lyrics for Passion Week
A few years ago, I wrote about one of my favorite Holy Week hymns: “Were You There.” Many of us sing this song annually but don’t stop to realize that it is a question we must answer. If we are in Christ, we were there. Rather than restating myself, I encourage you to visit my Continue reading
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World Poetry Day + Holy Week: Suggested Reading
Today is World Poetry Day, and Holy Week is swiftly approaching. This seems providential, for nothing inspires me to write and read poetry quite like this liturgical season. If you’re looking to celebrate World Poetry Day and to prepare for Holy Week, I’d encourage you to check out the following poems: See also: https://www.ekstasismagazine.com/poetry/2022/sanctification-a-sonnet Continue reading
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Eve’s Magnificat
For my latest paper, I’m doing a deep dive into Genesis 3:16 and the multiplication of Eve’s pain in childbearing. It was most interested to discover that, through the births and lives of Cain, Abel, and Seth, Eve is brought from hubris to humility. She greets Cain’s birth with triumph and pride in her accomplishment, Continue reading
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This is the Day the Lord has Made I Guess
There is a wind chill of -40. Negative. Forty. While my Arizona-raised mind cannot fathom this stark reality, I was just outside and my chilled hands can confirm: this is my third winter in Iowa and this weekend alone has rendered it the most brutal. I knew this day was going to be nasty when Continue reading
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Ryanne Molinari 