by Jen Hunt
For Graham:
Sometimes you're too much in your head
And you hog too much of the bed
But I am grateful for your sense of direction.
And that after 33 years
You can still keep an erection.
We renewed our vows on Feb 14, 2026 during our first cruise, Sun Princess (Love Boat)
by Jen Hunt
I pinch the cup to hold communion
The Most Holy God and I kiss
My pulse faint as a preborn's heartbeat
moving the crepe paper skin of my wrist
To think my Lord bled
For this
by Jen Hunt
Yes, we’re unhinged
Flag’s edges fringed
Fighting those with stars on thars
We’re angry and at war
Public enemy number one?
Index finger on my sternum
What’s in my heart?
Evil and sin
What’s in God’s heart?
Mercy outpouring
Submit to our leaders,
Give Ceasar his due--
But I don’t bleed red, white and blue
I bleed you, Christ
the lowly and meek
Christ, who turned the other cheek
Christ, who upturned poser’s tables
Christ, who’ll return to judge our fables
Justify, renew this muss
Your image we have tarnished
Yet eternal hope you’ve lavished
If I’m an heir, the credit’s yours
God, I’m floored.
I noticed that this poem was written more with head than heart. I didn’t feel too deeply writing it, so the admission of sin feels somewhat hollow. It doesn’t incorporate the five senses. Oh, well. It’s a first draft. I’m interested to see how it comes into focus, with further contemplation. I'm willing to share with my church's writer's group, to encourage them not to get hung up by perfectionism.
Ancient Essex Weeder shifts
Main Street J Alden and Griswold trips
Mornings as if at a bird sanctuary
Lunches with gourmet BLTs
Lavender Pond and greenhouse shops
Westbrook beach and tag sale stops
River Museum entrance fees waived
(Proving being a docent pays)
Grillo's treat to lobster rolls
So many memories a Connecticut visit holds.
You really rolled the carpet out
We felt pampered from the get-go
Flying never felt so posh
From our premier first-class row
Nor could digs be finer
Master bedroom, rose trees, hot tub
Even a walking trail
To scope pinecones and deer hubs
Enjoying piano recitals
Bagpipe and Beach Club mores
Historic adobe house wanderings
Nutcracker shopping spree scores
Porcini and tri tip
Persimmons and Mirth
Creme Brule and Scotch
Lounge wear to before church
Nephews on gym mats
Nieces en pointe
Board Pres whip cracks
Barring nuts from checkpoints
How'd we swing this Pebble vacay
When loaded we're not?
When it comes to family
We hit the jackpot!
Too tall Paul
Is what he's called
Hangs near the bus stop
By the mall
Little, dark man
Not four feet tall
Sleeps at St. John's
Stands like a wall
I pass him on my way to work--
Sometimes Jesus' frame is small
My wanter is tarnished
That is a fact
Couldn't wait to thrift
To find the right strap
Yet shuffled to the Advent service
to honor my King
Lord, teach my heart
To worship greater things.