I don’t often write introductions to my poems, since what’s valuable about poetry as an art form is that it invites readers into their own process of exploration and discovery, even if it’s quite different from what it is or was for the author.
The layered meanings of the "unseen house" truly moved me, Judy. We live in one as well. And it is comforting to know that there are others who also live in a larger lodge with us. Have you read Buechner's "A Crazy, Holy Grace" and "Telling Secrets"? I most highly commend these little jewels to you. He brings new life to the Parable of the Talents, suggesting the talents aren't just about wealth, but also everything the world gives us, including our suffering. The servant that hid his Talents (i.e. his wealth and/or his suffering) is rebuked, but the one who trades and makes use of these things is commended. Thank you for engaging in trade with all that has transpired and all you have carried by sharing it with us here.
Hello, fellow lodge dweller. 👊🏼 I have not read those books. Thank you for the recommendations! The reflections on the parable of the talents are just… wow. That’s beautiful and validating and incredibly powerful. This is the second time in the past few weeks that I’ve heard someone reference the concept of stewarding pain. It resonates.
The layered meanings of the "unseen house" truly moved me, Judy. We live in one as well. And it is comforting to know that there are others who also live in a larger lodge with us. Have you read Buechner's "A Crazy, Holy Grace" and "Telling Secrets"? I most highly commend these little jewels to you. He brings new life to the Parable of the Talents, suggesting the talents aren't just about wealth, but also everything the world gives us, including our suffering. The servant that hid his Talents (i.e. his wealth and/or his suffering) is rebuked, but the one who trades and makes use of these things is commended. Thank you for engaging in trade with all that has transpired and all you have carried by sharing it with us here.
Hello, fellow lodge dweller. 👊🏼 I have not read those books. Thank you for the recommendations! The reflections on the parable of the talents are just… wow. That’s beautiful and validating and incredibly powerful. This is the second time in the past few weeks that I’ve heard someone reference the concept of stewarding pain. It resonates.