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Saw this prompt and gave it a try. Up the creek in 8 lines. SanctuaryDeep into the redwoodsand up the creek awaysis my sanctuary.A secret spacewhere the silent forestwelcomes my prayers,the giant trees liftthem to the heavens. ~~Judi Van Gorder

What is Heaven? I sat and watched while my husband took his last breath and escaped his body. I wondered where did he go? Where will I go when it is my time? My religion dictates I believe in an afterlife and I do. Is it the mansions of His kingdom? Did I do enough? Would I live upstairs or down? Will I see those who went before, will they welcome me? Or is it simply a resting space of peace and fulfillment? I'm leaning this way. But it doesn't really matter to me now. While I'm here I will focus on the moment. What can I build? Who can I serve? What can I leave? For me the answers to heaven can wait. ~~Judi Van Gorder

Allelujia Morning Wearing shiney black pattent leather shoes, a brand new yellow plaid cotton dress with white Peter Pan collar trimmed in lace, Mom made me wear my old coat over it. "It's chilly outside this early in the morning." From above, the songs of angels drifted down the hill as we walked in the dark up the narrow path to the top. Once there we joined others as we watched the glorious sun rise behind a rough cut empty cross. ~~Judi Van Gorder

Another YearAnother chance to make it right, with renewed hope, morning and night. Begin and end my day on my knees,fill hours in tune with other's pleas,and caring for self, walk in the light.Repeat what worked, discard the blight,embrace the good and try what might,enjoy my home among the trees,another chance. New Year's on us, almost in sight,winter sun sparkles on the whitecrystals of last night's frost to teaseaway gloom and transition with easefrom old to new, I sit and write.Another chance. Judi Van GorderNotes: ▼ Verse Form: Rondeau The Rondeau was narrowed to the poetic verse form we know today by the 17th century. The elements of the Rondeau are: 1. a 15 line poem made up of a quintain, followed by a quatrain and ending in a sixain. 2. syllabic, L9 & L15 are 4 syllables each and all other lines are 8 syllables each. In English it is usually metered, most often iambic tetrameter except the refrain which is iambic dimeter. 3. composed with rentrement, a refrain repeated from the opening phrase of the poem. 4. rhymed, using only 2 rhymes except for the refrain being unrhymed, rhyme scheme aabba, aabR, aabbaR (R being the refrain) 5. a vehicle for serious verse, unlike the Triolet or Rondel which originate from the same source but tend to be lighter verse.

Ups and Downs Sunday, a day of gratitude and rest, I bend a knee and praise my creator. Grateful servant trying to do my best. I attempt to be His imitator, too often defer the dance 'til later. I am the bumble, stumble, everyman, standing back up, doing the most I can then it's down to the floor I fall once more. I often two-step when waltz was the plan, by grace He forgives and doesn't keep score. ~~Judi Van Gorder Warming Trend Though the calendar says time's up, summer is not ready to go. Don't expect it to be abrupt, the season waning will be slow. My garden continues to grow yielding bounty for my table. The return of fall a label to buy woolens for new school year. Weather has become unstable, oppressive heat stays on I fear. ~Judi Van Gorder Playing with Verse Form: Dizain

Golgotha "Release the thief, nail Jesus to the cross." The crowd shouts, "Crucify Him!" Pilate washes his hands, a blameless man, Our Lord. They roared and it began, a thorny woven strand was wound upon his head, no glim of compassion for suffering, for loss. A heavy wooden beam, no one could toss, placed upon His back, straining limbs, in pain, struggling to stand, a caravan, adored. A sword is thrust and ran into his side, a brand, while spikes are hammered into skin, bone, and flesh, and Jesus nailed to the cross. ~~Judi Van Gorder Notes:

Weeds In My Garden Sunday, the sun made a visit, the air was washed and I spent much of the day outside, pulling weeds. I sit, I don't kneel anymore, God doesn't ask my body to be humble, just my heart, besides, there's nothing more humbling than arthritic knees and a body getting old. The weeds pulled up easily, the earth was soft, it had rained the previous three days. I filled my lungs with unblemished air, the ocean breeze cooled my skin, while sweat seeped from my pores from the Spring sun's zeal. Nature renews, I keep getting older and there are always weeds to be pulled. ~~ Judi Van Gorder

The Night the Bears Roamed Dad sat on the front porch of the vacation cabin, a baseball bat across his lap to ward off the bears, Mamma sat on the lower bunk in the kids dorm with her arm around my sobbing friend, and taught us a Psalm. "Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil." The bears were looming, we listened, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me,” A baseball bat made a pretty good rod against imaginary bears. "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me", "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." We believed, we were safe, the bears were gone. To this day when afraid I remember that night and the bears go away. ~~Judi Van Gorder Notes: ▼

Lectio Divina - Meditation on Sunday Reading 3rd Sunday of Easter Cycle C Feed My Sheep John 21:15-16 "Feed my sheep" "Tend my flock" Peter charged to build His church, to feed and shelter. The directive simple without exclusion, nurture and protect. Christ creates a recipe with grains of love, hope, and faith to feed his flock. His blueprint for a strong shelter built on rock foundation of truth, compassion and justice. From earlier scripture "knock and it will be opened", deems His flock inclusive. without our judgment, that's His job.

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Semitic Verse Abecedarius, Latin - abecedarian =" term for alphabetic primer" is a lyrical poem composed as an acrostic employing the poetic device of the first letters of its lines forming an alphabet. To use the alphabet in a unique manner is the creative challenge of this genre, other than the obvious of finding words for the letters x and z. Alphabetic acrostics first appear in Hebrew religious poetry found in the Old Testament. It seems that using letters of the alphabet as the initial letter of each line was thought by ancient cultures to connect the human with the divine. This device was considered a conduit to God and was commonly used in prayers, hymns and oracles. According to the Harper Collins Study Bible; 1993, one variant of the Abecedarius is found beginning with Psalm 9 and continuing through Psalm 10:18. There, every other line begins with a sequential letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Another is found in Psalm 119, written in 22 stanzas of 8 lines. All lines in a given stanza begin with the same letter. Too bad the English translation does not reflect the Hebrew alphabetical sequence. In modern times, the alphabet is often found in word games for children and is sometimes called the ABC Poem. Psalm in Action by Judi Van Gorder All praise our Creator, called by many names, Blessed is the work of His hands. Cant in dulcet tones His psalms, Dance with energy in His presence Eager to follow His lead For faith is an action word. Gather the oppressed, offer support, Hold them close in His name. Include all who ask, honor those who don't. Joyfully serve all of His commands. Kindle a flame in your heart to Light the way for others that they may see, Mantled by His virtue, we endure. No one is less in His sight Offer sustenance and acceptance to all. Protect with fervor His creation. Quiet is His manner, Righteousness His strength, Science His invention, Time His plan. Unconditional is His love, Vast His ability to forgive, Wise His teachings and Xenia*, His command, “do unto others . . .”. Yes, is my answer to His call, Zeal tempered by tolerance is my pledge. *. Xenia - Greek - moral obligation of hospitality or courtesy to strangers ,

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Semitic Verse Greek Verse Psalm (from the Greek - song sung to a harp) is a hymn or song of praise. The songs attributed to King David in the Old Testament are psalms. The New Shorter Oxford Dictionary describes a psalm as "A sacred song that is or may be sung in religious worship or any song or ode of a sacred or serious character". (Here is a Psalm from scripture, it is a favorite of mine. I learned the King James Version as a child. This beautiful Hebrew prayer dates back long before the Romans but the Hebrew text was preserved, interpreted and passed down to its current form through the efforts of Latin clerics. Therefore the Psalm, originally Hebrew has become a standard of Latin Liturgical Form.) Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd ---- I shall not want; He maketh me to lie down ---- in green pastures; He leadeth me beside ---- the still waters; ------- He restoreth my soul! He leadeth me in the paths ---- of righteousness ------- for his namesake. Yea, though I walk through the valley ---- of the shadow of death, ---------- I will fear no evil, ------- for Thou art with me! ----------- Thy rod and Thy staff --------------- they comfort me. Thou preparest a table ------- in the presence ----------- of mine enemies. Thou annointest my head with oil, ------- my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy ------- shall follow me all the days of my life ----------- and I will dwell in the house -------------- of the Lord forever. --------------------------- Amen. See my psalm written as an Abacedarius

Ancient and Alive Trees old enough to remember hearing the footsteps of God rise into clouds collecting rain to quench their thirst. Massive branches hang down and out with tips up, like an eagle stretching to snatch the wind. The sun filters through mute-green needles stitching lacy patterns on the forest floor. Blood brown trunks, nourished by the bones of the Pomo people carry the scars of epochs as they tower above the shaded ferns. while roots spread deep and broad anchored to the damp earth. At the foot of a giant a broken twig lies in the scent of mud, musk and decay, a reminder of my mortality. Here in the mist from the near-by Pacific nature's cathedral is my sanctuary. ---Judi Van Gorder

A poem written this morning as an example of a verse form Cornish Fourteenth Century Stanza but the content is appropriate for the day... Happy Easter! Sunrise Service Empty cross upon a hill, rising sun warms morning chill, joyful sounds fill the air. I stand within the faithful press In MaryJanes and yellow dress, age 8, I can only stare. ---Judi Van Gorder

Ok, the Seven Deadly Sins gluttony envy sloth pride lust anger greed lists often include an additional sin "despair" or "sorrow" Tink's Seven Deadly Sins Panacea A half gallon tub of almond praline ice cream and a spoon is a glutton's prize. The creamy smooth substance slips between the lips with cool comfort, vanilla silk. An occasional almond crunch sends a burst of brown sugar over the tongue to be held there with all reverence until it melts from the mouth. A bite, another, a slow swirling lick and the magic slides into that empty space that expands with ease to accommodate the honeyed panacea, The void never quite filled. More Her word images paint magic on the page, the rhythm of his words slide over his lines and wind in and out of the reader's heart. Another captivates with his tales and another takes me to exotic places in five lines. I want to do that. I have made my place among these poets and more who touch me so, but Oh! how I wish I could be more. Now Here is a No Brainer A stack of paper sits on my desk, menial tasks to be sloughed off to underlings, the stack still sits until someone takes it away. A cup with a couple of spoons and a fork, two plates and an empty milk carton fill the sink. I should at least throw out the carton. Oh and my bed, I have an excuse, I wasn't the last to rise. Need I go on? Way Too Personal I try to practice prayer on bended knee. I need it and I often avoid it, I forget to remember the Source. I understand and honor humility, intellectually I accept it as a necessary virtue. all too often I fail to excercise it. It is just that I have accomplished so much, looking back, I amaze myself sometimes. I know, I know, "return to the Source". I fail to return to the Source. Notice all of the I's in this missive. I prefer to ignore them. I choose not to notice them, but niggling in the back of my mind, I keep waiting for the fall. Inuendo I know you are all waiting for this, do you really think I am going to bare myself? (No pun intended) I am an old married woman, love my man, but my libido is young and single, with dreams independent, its acting on the latter, that is sin of the flesh. (No confession today.) I don't like pain for me or him, I'm not into bondage though I like control, (No, that shouldn't surprise you.) I have had moments I'm not proud of, more moments I've had a lot of fun with, I like it playful, spontaneous, and long. . . (No pun intended.) I'm Not Mad! It pisses me off I can't come up with a clever idea to write about on anger. The problem is I don't get that mad. Now "mad", doesn't that mean crazy? I suppose it is that crazy kind that exemplifies the sin and I am proud to say, not me. Oops, didn't I just write about pride? I suppose a vendetta is another type to watch for, but revenge is too much work if you ask me. Oops, a sloth never retaliates. And then, envy can morph into anger if you don't get what you desire but instead it pushes me to accomplish more, not tear down. I don't like angry sex, no turn on for me, make me smile, leave sadness behind, I'm a glutton for happiness. So I failed this subject, now that can make me really mad. Oh that pride thing again. I Don't Relate to Greed My husband will tell you my sin is I give too much away, at least he thinks so. I find it easy to gather more: more money more debt more family more projects more causes more payroll more charities more friends in need. I have been abundantly blessed, it is easy to share a blessing. They Shall Be Comforted I don't get sadness as a deadly sin…. We've all experienced it, lost loved ones, pets, we've been disappointed, betrayed, sadness is a natural response. True I can't stand a whiner, but they're more an irritant than threatening, no sin there. Jesus said: "Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted." True, I don't feel comfortable on either end of this blessing, but not because I connect it with sin. How did a blessing become a curse? ----------------- ---Judi Van Gorder

rust climbing steps to temple rusty knees complain while snow capped crown gracefully bows low in gratitude --Judi Van Gorder An old one revised, revision inspired by Brendan's Mono no Aware. Chinese genre xiaoshi

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Indian Verse The Vedas, an Overview Anistubh, (Sun God, originating from the veins of Prajāpati) the first of the Vedic chandas or meters is a stanzaic form in ordinary epic meter. The verse is often a chanted mantra. The elements of the Anistubh are: stanzaic. The stanza or chanda is written in 4 lines or padas syllabic, a total of 32 syllables, the line are 8 syllables each. irregular. The anistubh has an irregular cadence, caesura and alternating trochaic and iambic meter contribute. Note: Because of language differences and the lack of consensus in describing a consistent, specific metric pattern, in English it is probably best to create one's own "irregular" pattern, taking care to mix it up and not fall into a predictable iambic or trochaic pattern don't forget the value of caesura to help break up the rhythm. from the Rig Veda to Sürya (sun god) 1500 B.C. Norton Anthology World Literature Volume A, translated by Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty We have come up out of darkness, seeing the higher light around us, going to the sun, the god among gods, the highest light. The Sun by Judi Van Gorder My heart is grateful, filled with song raised to heaven upon the tracks of the sun's rays. I choose to live in the warming light of His Son. anustubh by Jan Haag Other Veda verse forms II. Sanskrit Verse Anistubh Brhati gayatri Jagati Pankti Tristubh Ushnik

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Indian Verse The Vedas, an overview. Brhati ("that which grows" or "life's breath", God of Words) is an ancient Vedic stanzaic form. Brhati is named as one of the seven horses pulling the chariot of the sun. In verse the elements of the Brhati are: stanzaic, written in any number quatrains or 4 line stanzas. syllabic, 36 syllables per quatrain, lines of 9 syllables each. metric, the metric pattern of the line requires 2 heavy syllables. In English break the cadence with caesura and attempt to include a couple of long or heavy vowel syllables near the end of the line. ("heavy" is a dipthong, a hard vowel sound or a vowel followed by a combination of consonants) Too Many Years by Judi Van Gorder Sucking one more breath into scarred lungs, the once vibrant man suffers a life no longer desired. His passion and independence reclaimed by time. Other Vedas Anistubh Brhati gayatri Jagati Pankti Tristubh Ushnik II. Sanskrit Verse

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Indian Poetry Vedic Verse Gayatri (the one who protects the one who sings, Goddess of Past Present and Future) is considered a priestly Vedic meter and one of the most favored chandas or meters of the mantras of Indian verse. The Gayatri is associated with the head or intellect and is said to have originated from the skin of Prajāpati. This is a form that seems to have transitioned from Veda to Sanskrit during the overlapping period from 700 to 200 B.C. and appears to be synonymous with the Sanskrit sloka. The elements of the Gayatri are: stanzaic, written in any number of tercets syllabic, lines of 8 syllables each which are most often written in simple iambic cadence. from the Reg Veda 2000 B.C. Hymns to the Mystic Fire translation changes the syllable count. We meditate on the glory of the Creator; Who has created the Universe; Who is worthy of Worship; Who is the embodiment of Knowledge and Light; Who is the remover of all Sin and Ignorance; May He enlighten our Intellect. The Gayatri Mantra, is a well known mantra which is thought to have been recited from the beginning of time through today. It is always proceeded by an invocation of Aum or OM (Ōhmm) which is "Yes to God" entreated with Bhuh (devotion), Bhuvah (action), Svah (knowledge). Aum Bhuh Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo nah Prachodayat We meditate on the transcendental glory of the Deity Supreme, who is inside the heart of the earth, inside the life of the sky, and inside the soul of the heaven. May He stimulate and illumine our minds. ~ The Reg Veda (10:16:3)"O thou existence Absolute, Creator of the three dimensions, we contemplate upon thy divine light. May He stimulate our intellect and bestow upon us true knowledge." Wahiduddin The Haunting by Judi Van Gorder The fiery fingers of the song climb up my spine to set on fire resistance to the music's force. Rhythm so vibrates in my veins that now I throb with its tambour and yield all to the harmony. You are the haunting melody that rides the flame and brands my soul with the sweet tenor of your voice. Other Vedas Anistubh Brhati gayatri Jagati Pankti Tristubh Ushnik II. Sanskrit Verse Regional Forms: III. Bengali, IV. Hindi, V. Kashmiri, VI. Marathi and VII. Teluga

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Indian Poetry Vedic Verse Jagati (the god of nature and animals), in Hindu tradition Jagati is associated with the 4th horse harnessed to the golden chariot of the sun. This Vedicverse is a stanzaic form with a lot of room to maneuver and is often thematically associated with the body parts of hips, belly and penis also linked to the "bones of the Lord of the living entities", whatever that means. The elements of the Jagati are: stanzaic, 4 lines or padas syllabic, lines of 12 syllables each. metric. The heavy-light or guru-laghu pattern of the lines is language specific and probably impossible to duplicate in English. But for the purist you can try by converting heavy-light to Long-short vowel sounds. The metric pattern would then be sLsL,sLs,LsLss. (a predominantly iambic pattern emerges, sort of) Regression by Judi Van Gorder The acrid taste of earth upon the tongue of those who seek preservation of cultivated land becomes an addiction that inflames their resolve, blinds their eyes, and impedes mind set to compromise. Other Vedic forms Anistubh Brhati gayatri Jagati Pankti Tristubh Ushnik II. Sanskrit Verse Regional Forms: III. Bengali, IV. Hindi, V. Kashmiri, VI. Marathi and VII. Teluga

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Indian Verse I. The Vedas, an Overview Pankti (associated with food and the god of rain) is a Vedic meter found in one of the later books (Book V) of the Reg Vida. Also known as the 5th horse pulling the golden chariot of the sun god and is said to come from the bone marrow. In Hindi it means line or sentence and is a popular Indian girl's name. The elements of the pankti meter are: stanzaic, 40 syllables, written in any number of quintains, 5 padas or lines. syllabic, lines of 8 syllable each. Generosity by Judi Van Gorder Blessings from heaven rain down to fill the thirsty streams with life sustaining elixir and wash clean the dust from the late harvest, the Father renews the planet. Other Vedic forms Anistubh Brhati Gayatri Jagati Pankti Tristubh Ushnik II. Sanskrit Forms Regional Forms:III.Bengali, IV.Hindi, V.Kashmiri, VI.Marathi and VII.Teluga

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Indian Verse The Vedas Tristubh trée-shtoobh (hymn, from the god of devas -shining ones or nature spirits and originating from the flesh ofPrajāpati) is originally found in part of the Bhgavad Gita chapter 11 Verse 15 - 44 (including this phrase "brighter than a thousand suns") and makes up about 40% of the meters in the Rig-Veda. Many of the The Veda meters are associated with body parts, the Tristubh is associated with the chest and arms. This ancient meter does appear in poetry centuries later connecting the content to the Vedic character of the verse. The elements of the Tristubh are: stanzaic, written in any number of quatrains, 4 padas or lines. syllabic, lines of 11 syllables each. The heavy-light or guru-laghu pattern of the lines is language specific and probably impossible to duplicate in English. But for the purist you can try by converting heavy-light to Long-short vowel sounds. metric. The metric pattern would then be L or s L s L L - s s L s L L. (the first syllable may be either Long or short) A caesura appears after the 4th or 5th syllable. Panache by Judi Van Gorder To let loose and declare my wants with panache, make it all about me, my needs, my desires, to cut in and step to the front of the line, just once, it would be fun to play the Diva. Other Vedic forms Anistubh Brhati Gayatri Jagati Pankti Tristubh Ushnik II. Sanskrit Forms Regional Forms:III.Bengali, IV.Hindi, V.Kashmiri, VI.Marathi and VII.Teluga

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Indian Verse Vedic Verse Ushnik (God of Wind orignating from the hairs of the body of the almighty Prajāpati) is a stanzaic Vedic meter. The 7th horse pulling the golden chariot of the sun god is named for this meter. The elements of the Ushnik are: stanzaic, any number of quatrains, 4 padas or lines. syllabic, lines of 7 syllable each. Fair Weather Sailor by Judi Van Gorder The wind that pushes your sails is hot air from the tropics, cold northern winds extinguish the force, bring you back to earth. Other Vedic forms Anistubh Brhati Gayatri Jagati Pankti Tristubh Ushnik II. Sanskrit Forms Regional Forms:III.Bengali, IV.Hindi, V.Kashmiri, VI.Marathi and VII.Teluga

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Indian Verse Regional Forms III. Bengali Poetry is from the Bengali Region, Eastern India and dates back to the 10th century . Its origins were in mystic poetry but later became known for its epics. The Payār is the most common form from the Bengali Region. The elements of the Payar are: stanzaic, written in any number of couplets. rhymed. aa bb cc etc. syllabic, 14 syllables lines which are normally broken into 4 units. 4 4 * 4 2 4 4 * 4 2 or xxxx, xxxx, xxxx, xa xxxx, xxxx, xxxx, xa Temptation by Judi Van Gorder Words in color, writ in anger, meant to provoke, to prod, rude distraction, wrong direction, lead me away from God. Regional Verse Forms

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry India's Verse Forms Overview The Vedas The word "veda" means "revealed knowledge" and collectively refers to ancient Indo Aryan religious literature. Oral tradition goes back to 2000 BC thru 200 BC and is believed by many Hindus to have been around since creation. From Delight we came into existence. In Delight we grow. At the end of our journey’s close, Into Delight we retire. ---------------------- The Upanishads There are four books known as the Vedas which are a simple, formal and structural discipline for non-narrative sacred verse. The hymns were preserved in an unbroken oral tradition of memorization and chanted by Vedic priests. They are the primary scripture of the Hindu religion. Many of the collected hymns of the Vedas were recited as mantras. The Vedic poets called their work "measured utterances" and used "chanda" to imply their "utterances" were ideas incarnate, pleasing to God. The word chanda is often interchangeable with "meter", in either case it refers to the number of lines, length of the line and metric pattern within the line. The mantra could be simply defined as a prayer song but in a more complicated definition, it is a formula, comprising words and sounds which are believed to possess a magical or divine power. The mantra transposes the speaker to a spiritual union with the divine. The chanda is the frame of the mantra but is not confined to the mantra. The chanda of the Vedas, is written in padas which for simplicity's sake could be defined as a line, however a pada is more than just a line, it is a phrase that can be written in one line or could be broken into more than one line. For consistency and simplicity, I treat the pada as a line within the context of this writing. Of the more than 160 Vedic chandas or "meters", there are seven that stand out and are considered the most important, still used today. These seven "meters" are known as the Seven Sister Rivers (tributaries to the Ganges) or are also referred to as portals for the conveyance of knowledge through seven body organs: two eyes, two ears, two nostrils and tongue. The Vedas are spiritual, often chanted in repetition, metric, unrhymed and written in variation. The 7 most important are: Anistubh Brhati gayatri Jagati Pankti Tristubh Ushnik Sanskrit Verse Regional Forms: Bengali, IV. Hindi, V. Kashmiri, VI. Marathi and VII. Teluga

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry Liturgical Verse Benison or Blessing from the Latin -benediction, is exactly as the word implies, a call for God's grace to be bestowed upon someone or something. As a poetic genre, the poem may be written in any verse form at the discretion of the poet. I have to include this Traditional Irish blessing, not only as an example of the poetic genre but as my wish for all who venture here. May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall softly on your fields And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. --------------- --- Anonymous