Category Archives: Poetry

Painting pictures with words.

Their Dark Intruder

Posted on May 9, 2024 by mitchteemley

One of my heavier posts (please read through to the end). This is a true story. Image by Elti Meshau He said he would kill them, In his time, in his way And yet they let the intruder stay Even … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Memoir, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Becoming Complete

Posted on May 2, 2024 by mitchteemley

There’s a paradox in Jesus’ teachings: Again and again he tells me that what I want I must give. But I don’t have it to give because I am incomplete. So what must I do? I must let him invade … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Poetry, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments

On being a cardigan

Posted on April 24, 2024 by mitchteemley

My Featured Blogger this week is Nora Edinger of JOY Journal. After a long career as a newswriter and occasional contributor to The Wasington Post, Nora is now an innkeeper and independent writer of both fiction and nonfiction. Her prose … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Quips and Quotes, Writing and Blogging | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Savor the Flavor

Posted on April 15, 2024 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week I developed the habit when I was in my 20s of eating very small portions. I’d done it a few times almost by accident, and discovered I liked chewing slowly and savoring the taste of thick, … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Poetry, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Happiness Is Nowhere

Posted on April 10, 2024 by mitchteemley

Happiness is nowhere. Happiness is now  here. What’s the difference? Only air, which sometimes fills the space for years. We hope that happiness will come, although its presence may be fleeting. They say it lingers long for some, but others … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Sprinter is Here!

Posted on March 20, 2024 by mitchteemley

‘Round now we’re all pining to revel in spring But seasonal timing’s no guaranteed thing Transitional days like these are un-scenic Thermometers glaze and turn schizophreenic So stop being moody and “so over winter” Put on your hoodie and celebrate … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Poetry, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , | 32 Comments

On My Wife’s Birthday

Posted on March 4, 2024 by mitchteemley

You Are My Allegory It’s no great wonder we should think in metaphors Our lives here are but parallels to something more Still, lacking that more perfect world, we call this Life and mend our broken wings and salve each … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 58 Comments

Only in the Winter…

Posted on February 8, 2024 by mitchteemley

The world is born in the spring rejoices in summer and bundles its blessings in autumn ∗ But only in the winter does it learn who it is ∗

Posted in Poetry, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

In the Bleak Midwinter

Posted on February 7, 2024 by mitchteemley

There’s something about midwinter. Perhaps because it’s too cold to go outside, we’re forced to look inside and assess what we see. “Do I like who I’ve become? Is this who I thought I would be?” January’s vows have vanished … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Ever Green

Posted on February 4, 2024 by mitchteemley

Some lives are leafy limbs compelling eyes to gaze at them to acknowledge their convulsive beauty Naïve in their baseless joy they reign a scant and unremembered season And then they die never having truly lived Other lives are barren … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Poetry, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , | 23 Comments