Category Archives: Poetry

Poem: Theologian’s Lament

Posted on June 9, 2012 by David Opderbeck

Since we are always bumping up against the limits of what we can and cannot see, we must admit this discipline is sore, a horse hair shirt drawn tight against the skin, a flagellation of the lonely mind. Perhaps if … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, πνεύμα | Leave a comment

Poem: The Psalmist’s Profession of Uprightness

Posted on June 7, 2012 by David Opderbeck

“No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.”  – Ps. 101:5 The King enthroned: a glorious sight! He sparkles in his ermine robes, his garnet rings, his crown. His holds his staff erect, above … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, πνεύμα | Leave a comment

The Gold in Havilah

Posted on May 31, 2012 by David Opderbeck

The Gold in Havilah I’m told there’s gold in Havilah, that Stretch of Sand just downstream from Eden, and good gold at that. This makes no sense to me – What use had Adam for gold, and why would God … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Organ Reverberations, in the Chapel

Posted on May 31, 2012 by David Opderbeck

Organ Reverberations, in the Chapel Three silver strands braid a chord Stretched out along the floor Twined about the pews Draped over the pulpit Looping up the buttresses Strung across the vault Hanging in the nave Wrapped around my body … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Poem: Playground Basketball, Durham

Posted on May 31, 2012 by David Opderbeck

Playground Basketball, Durham Black arms unfold sinews taught with glistening skin. The man strains for the globe, draws breath and flies. The woman, waiting to be seen in painted jeans and gold-braid hair, She is a queen, a mighty queen. … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Poem: Morning Walk, Dec. 26, 2011

Posted on December 26, 2011 by David Opderbeck

Turning East on Hill Street, heading home. Wind chimes sound along the way. It blows as it will.  I can’t make it happen, can’t stop it, can’t tell it to go somewhere else or keep it from gusting all around … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Spirituality | Leave a comment

Peach Trees

Posted on June 8, 2008 by David Opderbeck

Peach trees grew here years ago, when the summer days flowed like a lazy river. They let cool nectar run down their chins, unworried that the garden would yield to muddy March ground, trampled by growing children not yet born. … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Spirituality, Uncategorized | 1 Comment