September 24th

“So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

sometimes
your word is like a
massive oak tree whose
roots sink deep within us,
or again, like those puffs
from a dandelion which float
and dance in the air.
sometimes
your word is that sharp rebuke
our partner offers when
we think we can get away
with all sorts of foolishness,
or again, that soft whisper
in the middle of the night,
‘it’s okay, don’t be scared.
i am here beside you.’
sometimes
your word comes in those
ponderous, theological phrases
of the preacher strutting their stuff,
or again, in silly songs
children make up on the swings
in the playground
as we walk by with our dog.

(c) 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman