Minister's Journals & Quarantine Poetry
Since Kristen and I began staying home about a month ago, I've been writing a poem each day and posting it to Facebook. Most of my poems are celebrations of natural beauty; a few are ethical/political commentaries with some bite.
You can see more poems by visiting my new Facebook page.
Morning Service
©2020 Rev. Ted Tollefson
Turkeys are wattling around the edges of the meadow
bobbing and bowing like Cardinals as they process
but they don't get much respect.
Crows have claimed the high ground
and are reporting on everything below---
they are our neighborhood watch
and will also clean up road-kill.
The Eagles are biding their time
knowing that the treetops and most fish
belong to them when they choose.
Meanwhile, at the Old Methodist beach
the back-current is circling:
will it bring fish today?
And where are the pair of Loons hiding?
In this wild abundance, it's difficult not
to want to be a small voice in the Big Choir.
Warbler Visitation
©2020 Rev. Ted Tollefson
A tiny warbler flew into the trailer
where I was laying down a new clear coat
and perched by a closed window
where afternoon light pours in.
I stopped and listened as he sang a song
that carried news of his long flight
his concerns about family in Brooklyn
and hopes for warm green spring.
I began to fret: could he find his way out?
Did I need to flap my wings to show him the doorway?
In answer to my question, he glided out the open door
returning to his world and leaving me to mine
but not without leaving his song in my heart
where it is ringing still.