Music Stand conundrum

 I wrote this after somebody somewhere questioned the use of music stands in church, suggesting they spoiled the atmosphere. 

Should we be using music stands or might there be a way 

That feels less conspicuous and won't get in the way

Could music be suspended from a beam high in the air

But oh what chaos might ensue if someone moved your chair.

Perhaps a more effective way

Some order to restore

Would just involve musicians 

To lie upon the floor

Perhaps a row of pillows to balance books or sheet

As long as those with little kids

Didn't fall asleep. 

Or maybe see through stands  would work

They'd not obscure the view

Though they might break if falling 

As stands are prone to do.

I have a few ideas here

But nothing of distinction 

For I think music stands work well 

I'd save them from extinction 

Protect the humble music stand

It's served us well for ages

As long as someone near by 

Is there to turn the pages.

Karen Holmes 

28th October 19 2021

Pumpkin Hair

 I'm planning something orange!

Specifically my hair

I'm going to dye it next week 

To see how people stare!

I'm doing it for Mermaids 

To raise a bit of cash

I've thought it all through carefully 

Although it might seem rash.

I'm feeling rather nervous

So I've bought a great big hat

And if it looks horrendous 

I'll cover it with that.

If you would like to sponsor me

Just giving is the way

It would help a lot of people 

And really make my day.

But if you can't afford it

Then raise a cheer instead

And when you see the photos 

Have a laugh at pumpkin head!

What of Grace?

 Sermon after sermon, familiar hymns by rote

Going through the motions adrift in a leaky boat

Dusty, lifeless duty, ticking someone's box

Doing what's expected, trying to dodge hell's rocks.

Teaching that reopens wounds, empty words and phrases

Banging on about the rules passed down throughout the ages - 

But Wait

Is that true? Do I inherit

opinions that have no merit?

What happened to abundant life, instead of rules which seem so rife?

Restrictions, expectations and 

control by someone else's hand.

What of Grace?

I've spent so long believing I

am lost to God and wondering why

I ever bothered, ever tried, 

many hopeless tears I've cried

UNTIL - there were no churches open,

all the doors were firmly closed

Nobody could point the finger, 

different rules were now imposed.

The pressure lifted, some wailed and mourned

but in my soul a new light dawned

and now I'm starting to explore

if God is found through other doors

Or rather - if God has been waiting, listening to my pontificating

and smiling, as they draw me back to real connection which I lacked

For God won't be confined, contained, 

they laugh at rules the world ordained

and walk upon the beach and draw

designs upon the sandy shores

They splash red paint across the skies 

and teach the baby birds to fly

They decorate the flowers by hand 

and help the sapling learn to stand

They guard the bulbs through winter's snow 

and point the way new shoots should grow

They dance and jive through autumn leaves 

and thrill the soul that now believes

in listening for their heartfelt laughter 

beyond the walls and lofty rafters

and seeing their smile in sunny skies

and tasting raindrops as they cry

Worshipping by candlelight

and colours bold, vibrantly bright

and squirrels scampering in glee 

then leaping fearlessly through trees

Rainbows, clouds and new mown grass

Or tinkling celebratory glass

or dancing frenzied or intense

Discovering God with every sense.

Re-finding Grace, acceptance too

No need to strive, God looks for you

and finds you, pulls your boat to shore

and dances with you evermore.

Karen Holmes

October 19 2021