Monday, March 9, 2026

Third of a Century poem, February 13, Princess Love Boat cruise, draft no. 1

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) 



Communion, draft no. 1

 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

A Titus 3 Citizen, draft no. 2

 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

 

 Regenerate this heart of rust

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.