Clouds of Calming
Collection of seven poems I wrote between 2025 and 2026.
Calmness of the Cell
Around us the world rages and calls us in.
It continually recruits us through false sages.
Trying to take us away from Gospel pages.
All the noise and nonsense.
Seems to be ever-constant.
An internal war? It may be time to launch it.
Numerous distractions disguised as main attractions.
Told it tastes sweet, but gives off allergic reactions.
Told to eat of the food for which we were not made.
Making us sick as we go in tirades.
For this feast turns to famine and eventually fades.
We were made for something that fills forever.
We were made to be transformed through our endeavors.
The more we look and think, the more we know this.
We seek silence to find some sort of solace.
Tired of all the bustle and tussle and drinking from dry wells.
Tired of the lies which we must constantly dispel.
We seek truth by delving into our cells.
In this silence we hope to find the truth.
Exiting this dinner, we leave our check at the booth.
In the quiet we feel the calming of all the riots.
Realizing peace, we simply can’t buy it.
In the solitude we hear the voice that calls us home.
Seeing with our hearts we are far from alone.
Invited to be mystically changed.
Realizing that this is our call.
However, to the world, this just seems strange.
In this cell we find the way to be truly free.
We find the path to go to what we are called to be.
We find our worth and identity was never in any event or thing.
We find it is because we are created and loved by the True King.
Feeling strength in all things we face.
Feeling indescribable love from a Heavenly Embrace.
Feeling our past hurt leaves without a trace.
Feeling at home in this monastic space.
Slowly and calmly we go deeper.
Eyes closed but we are not a sleeper.
Seeing all past prizes are so much cheaper.
Sitting and submitting to God’s will.
Understanding we must walk up our own Calvary Hill.
That in all this commotion, we find the true words in the still.
Called to be a light within the abyss.
Called to serve and sacrifice for others, none should be missed.
Called to do this in the silence and stillness of our prayers.
Called into something which nothing else could ever compare.
Called into a process of letting go of all earthly cares.
Some may ask what strange place is this type of zone?
The Truth answers this is the route to lead home.
Reevaluation of Worth
Thinking our entire worth and value came from outside sources or events.
Not seeing that mindset left our hearts and souls damaged and bent.
Defining ourselves by status, events, items, or ideas.
Hoping this would bring about joy and calm.
Time after time this left us still seeking for what we longed.
Seeing this approach would not make us strong.
Within this process we sat at step one, seeing we were wrong.
This led to burns at every turn.
In this process true lessons we had to learn.
All this would collapse, we need something much more firm.
Everything that was built up crumbles and tumbles.
Leaving us confused and very humbled.
Even to the point of sometimes a prayer, we would even mumble.
In all this struggle and fight, we could not win on our own.
Even when we gave it all our might.
We needed much intervention at this convention.
At our low points we were shown light to give us new sight.
Breaking down the shadows because it was so bright.
Allowing us to see how we are actually in God’s eyes.
Turning away from the past of self-reprise.
Welcomed back by God, with no despise.
Seeing our worth and beauty as part of creation.
Seeing there is no need to stress over our value.
Needing to rest in the Father for relaxation.
Rescuing us from our faults and struggles without hesitation.
Showing us the way to a better destination.
For everything and more that we had been hoping.
Our eyes are now made wide open.
That nothing but God’s love can ever define us.
As He calls us home with various signs to remind us.
Calling us back every time we are lost.
Taking us on this path, via the Cross.
For no one is beyond His love or forgiveness.
Called to live this love as a Christian witness.
Conflict or Cooperation
We stand in our own life wanting to be in control.
Stuck in the mud as we continue to yell and shout.
Thinking we know everything life is about.
Yet, we are still stuck and can’t find a way out.
Running around trying to be anything, except for what we are called.
Answering God’s call? This leaves us appalled.
Who dares tell us anything or to even give suggestions?
We know exactly what to do in this life of misdirections.
Yelling and screaming that it is everyone else’s fault.
That our life is not exactly what we are dreaming.
All these trips and mishaps leave us steaming.
Wanting all to know how great we are.
Through our constant streaming.
Nothing seems to be what works.
Folded and scolded tired of drinking all this that is watered-down.
Searching for what is true but can’t find it in any town.
Seeing this cannot be achieved on our own call.
The flash begins to fade on all we bought at the mall.
Tired of the same song we look for a new tune in a new band.
Starting to see that maybe we need to embrace something bigger at hand.
Accepting there may just be something that is larger than ourselves.
Our past pettiness we feel called to put back on the shelf.
This is no way to live and go about our daily life.
It has led to nothing but stress and strife.
Losing count of the amount of our complaints and gripes.
Standing flustered and frustrated, angry that we haven’t made it.
Time to look to a new path by the King who paved it.
Doing this alone? We simply could not have braved it.
We are tired of being stubborn leading to so many sun burns.
Walking away from so much distress.
There is so much we must unknow.
But this will open us to new great places we must go.
Sitting in the mirror accepting a new admission.
The first step to this is submission.
Letting God take control of all that we know.
To enlighten us with many things He will show.
Taking in all around slow and calm.
Asking God for help and mercy.
To change us and our lives.
Taking us from existing, to actively thrive.
Understanding God wants us to work with Him as He operates.
To be part of this process we must actively cooperate.
Step by step He guides us on our way.
To a new and better place, where we are called to stay.
This is done in humility, for our Cross is not just futility.
Doing this is part of the path to get where we must go.
The turns we must take? God only knows.
We see there is no point in fighting against this test.
We bow humbly in prayer and simply ask “what’s next?”Food that Doesn’t Fill
Our eyes wake in the warmth of this increased sun take.
We feel a hunger in our stomach as we crave food, more than just a lunch break.
Scarfing down all food in sight just to realize it’s all fake.
Our stomachs and souls feel so empty and famished.
Constantly prowling for something to fill, as if we’ve been banished.
Everywhere we try to find something to nourish.
It just leaves us empty and depleted, looking for new courage.
From the ice cream and shakes, we leave the parlor thirsting at every wake.
To the burgers, pizza, and burritos, leaving us hungry everywhere we go.
All the way to the pasta, sushi, and burnt ends, this filling us?
Even in Kansas City, that’s just playing pretend.
Screaming and dreaming about wanting something that can fill.
Is it even possible? Could this even be real?
A small voice tells us to calm down and chill.
This can be found, only through submitting to God’s will.
The whole time we were in the wrong restaurants to find what we seek.
All that can fill is found at the Heavenly Feast.
Being so stressed and full of hunger and strife.
All the rest and fulfillment we can find, in the Bread of Life.
Fasting and Feasting
All we have eaten has led to little growth.
We realize to grow we must embrace change.
To be transformed at a great range.
Not to perform and rage.
There is no theatrical stage.
For we have just taken in things to indulge our own wants.
The truth is harsh sometimes, and it hits us very blunt.
We feel the call to step away from all this.
Truly they are just growth stunts.
To get closer to God and our purpose is where we go.
To let go of things that do not help us grow.
To be transformed anew, and walk away from what we know.
Taking time to bow forth and humble ourselves.
Understanding it is not us who rule.
That there is no point in being a materialistic genius.
Better to be a Holy Fool.
This is not about a lack of eating.
It is about embracing the humble for this rumble.
Focusing more on a mystical meeting.
Detaching from all that has been so distracting.
Sending out prayers to the Heaven’s, holy dispatchings.
Clearing out all the sound and obstructions that held us down.
Opening our hearts to God, to understand heavenly sparks.
That which calls out our names from the very start.
In this we understand what actually matters.
All we used to obsess over? Just left us in tatters.
Breaking this down, the facade slips and shatters.
Walking away from all that was used to hold us back.
Wanting to go to our true home.
Needing to find a new track.
Hearing loud the voice of saints, that calls us back.
Seeing all our sins and shortcomings laid out.
Regretting how this was able to play out.
Asking God for forgiveness, a way out.
Crying our tears in our own pain and fears.
The Lord grants us comfort and a way that is clear.
Inviting us back in to get away from the pain and sin.
These mistakes are not our final statement.
Our story only begins.
In the depth of the darkness, something happens.
While chained down our shackles are broken.
By the words and action the Son has spoken.
Through Christ and His Cross.
He invites us closer and leaves us not at a loss.
He calls on us to rise up out of the ashes.
For divine healing from all of our crashes.
To shout out and embrace ALLELIUA! AXIOS!He calls the dead to life to a Royal Feast, a Heavenly Toast.
By death He conquered death.
To save us all, His hand is stretched.
For we must respond and be rescued as we sink in this pond.
Now is time to celebrate and that we belong to Christ and not the beast.
Let us celebrate, rejoice,and take part in a Heavenly Feast!
Understanding who we are and our great value.
Returned home to celebrate with Our Father.
Worrying about status or stats? We do not bother.
The true great joy for which Christ has deployed.
To take us away from all the false decoys.
Celebrating such a great event and wonder.
Making great sound and music, louder than thunder.
All have been invited by Christ to this reception.
Loving us so much and giving us divine protection.
Pulling us out of doubt and rejection.
Completely altering and changing our life perception.
We cheer and shout with a smile and grin.
Turning the lights so bright, no longer dim.
Called to not celebrate this alone.
We are told to invite others in.
As Christ wills all to join in these festivities.
Calling all home to this banquet.
For His goodness, He wishes all to thank it.
With great sounds, food, drinks, and music.
Offering us so much grace and help.
We just need to respond and use it.
Conquering as victor and champion.
To lead all to life everlasting, death and sin?
He has defeated and is outlasting.
His throne is eternal and never-ending.
All other claims to power and strength?
Are just fake and pretending.
Calling us out of the tombs to embrace the light.
To feel joy and healing after sadness and strife.
For by death He conquered death to take us to new heights.
Inviting out all those in the tomb, as He grants them life.
Anguishing With Anathemas
Wake up looking at all that berates us and constantly send things our way that seem to hate us.
Whispered words of pure lies, that try to sneak attack with surprise to lead to our demise on the route of self-despise.
Songs sung from the serpent to take us off our path as we should quickly call on Heavenly Intercessors.
To tell such things to dispatch to the pit for these ideas of our worth just aren’t legit.
That we are just not actually lovable or have value. (ANATHEMA!)
We were created with immeasurable worth by the God of all who was willing to suffer for us, to bring us even closer after our own fall!
That our money, talents, status, actions, or others’ opinions defines our worth. (ANATHEMA!)
For the fact that the King of All creates and loves us more than anything we could understand for the pure fact of us, is something to lead this idea to immediately disband!
That our sins keep us from ever being enough, for they are stronger and more definitive than anything else, overcoming our past is just too tough. (ANATHEMA!)
It was God Himself who has forgiven sins beyond count, if we want to really look how one is liberated from past faults just look at those immortalized on icons to see such a great amount!
That the sufferings we deal with and ones lost are gone and nothing will heal and death is all there is to be seen. (ANATHEMA!)
For it is Christ who heals all as part of His plan, and conquers death by death as it is He who is King!
That something other than Christ will grant us fulfillment or peace. (ANATHEMA!)
For from all our pain and suffering only Christ can free us and bring us to a Heavenly Feast!
That others don’t really care about us and will not be there to care. (ANATHEMA!)
For Christ calls us into community to be united with Him from everywhere!
That we are not worthy or good enough to take on a journey that is holy. (ANATHEMA!)
God sent a Savior because of our mistakes, and wills us to be reshaped!
That the tasks we face are too hard and we cannot succeed. (ANATHEMA!)
All things can be conquered with Christ, for He is all we need!
That we should love only those who we get along with and make it seem easy. (ANATHEMA!)
Christ calls us to love those who persecute us and forgive all, for that is where our spiritual needs be!
That there is no hope in all of the commotion and confusion and that our Faith too will one day fall. (ANATHEMA!)
For the Kingdom of Christ is everlasting and eternal, inviting in all!
Lord please help us for we feel under constant attack.
For anathemas come at us to distract and detract.
We must quickly turn to the Trinity to help us get on the right track.
In reality God never abandons us or leaves us on our own.
In reality He is with us no matter what we do or who we are.
In reality He wishes to bless us from above both near and far.
In reality our worth was defined long ago by a higher authority than any anathema or things that tempt us to slide.
He is always with us, never leaving our side.
Facade of Fear
All have things they must face and take on.
Even if it seems giant and too strong when our strength and courage feel gone.
Tricking us to duck and hide out of fear of being washed away by this tide.
We think this is something that cannot be overcome or outdone.
That this is the fullness of reality and just how it be.
This has the crown of conquering and cannot be defeated.
Managing to believe the best move here is to join the ranks of the retreated.
However there are sparks of a flame of our soul that begs to be heated.
Not spiting us or biting us, just pushing for an awakening of reigniting us.
To embrace the Truth that of the dark we are spared.
This hurt is not forever.
Being called home to He who wants to repair.
A flame that no opposition could ever compare.
When we were scared that all we fear could never be escaped.
Now seeing we are never alone and Christ conquers for our sake.
He extends His hands to us, to truly be embraced.
Our fears have no lasting authority or power.
If you really want proof just look at Liturgy of the Hours.
The ruler of all is God alone, as He invites us into a healing zone.
His love and plan is much stronger than that which we face.
In the journey of life and sanctification, He guides us to a heavenly place.
For in these fears we are told to abandon all hope and vision.
To trip up and fall down, to abandon our mission.
So that despair and despondency can come to fruition.
The words we have been told about from liturgy, we forget to listen.
This which we suffer cannot feed us, that comes from He who instructed at the Last Supper.
The trials of many miles cannot control and own us.
Eventually these things pass and fall, if we look at the saints’ lives of focus.
We should not let this fear take over, for it has no authority of ages.
Let us cling to the hope we were told of in the Gospel pages.
Out of the bad God brings good in ways we may not understand.
Defeating all darkness as part of His eternal plan.
He leaves us not in these frustrating and scary spots.
If we look clearly in these times the truth is, He is all we got.
He has created all things and people out of love and goodness.
He will never abandon us and will get us through this.
Our salvation is what He truly wills.
To get to it He guides us through many hills.
For even when we fall for sin in this suffering, tempting us to wander.
We are reminded it was for us all, He came down to conquer.
He alone rules and takes us out of our despair.
All this is done because of how much He cares.
We must remember that all suffering is temporary.
May we offer these up for others, as we are called to be missionaries.
In Christ we are granted life forever, as He joins us in all our endeavors.
As He calls us to arise, as He did with Lazarus.
Destroying all fear and hurt that seems to always try to come back at us.
He alone is our hope and calls us back home.
Telling us to join back with the Trinity and the Church.
Not to suffer and be left alone.
To Him in this may we cry out and sing.
For He alone reigns as the One True King.