Ivory Tower Christmas

I want an Ivory Tower  Christmas

as in days of yore

Where Kings and Queens and Princes

wait upon my door

 

Where Dragons bow on bended knee

as angels sing on high

and Court Jesters laugh in merriment

as the moon and stars pass by

 

A fantasy where I would be

the princess in distress

and the most handsome prince

in all the land would be put to the princely test

 

Of saving me from the gastly troll

who would have me put away

to work and slave in sooty clothes

with no time for rest or play

 

Yes, I would be the  princess

who when found is carried off to a royals  state

and marrys her most handsome prince

who proved successful in his fate

 

Just this and nothing more

is what I truly ask

to be wrapped in  pretty Christmas paper

along with a slipper made of glass

 

bkmackenzie

2009

Kiss of Love

We express our inner feelings in many different ways, a look, a touch, a gesture and when a feeling is deep and sincere, with a kiss.   When we give and open ourself up to love  in this manner we open our heart to embrace and experience the joy of living. 

Why is a kiss,  what does it mean?  So often it is only viewed as a gesture of passion and sexuality in the media and written word.  In reality it is so much more,  a universal sign among all creatures from mammals, to birds, to reptiles, a symbol of love straight from the heart.  It is in essence the highest expression of giving in all living creatures.  

The next time you give a kiss take a moment  to listen to what your heart is saying.  The next time you receive a kiss take a moment to feel how that energy touches your soul.   If that kiss is sincere it will fill that core of your being with the worlds greatest gift, Love.       bkm

Original Watercolor by:  Stephanie M. Burgess

Simply Sacred

 

  

Thomas a Kempis
Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature.

Let me think about this one – man soaring above earth and all temporary nature- Is all nature temporary and only we that will move on and above?

- I believe that in  purity and simplicity – we too as humans are one with the nature we inhabit and these two virtues bring us closer to who we are and to our God.

 Today I pray for purity and simplicity – that I take these two virtues to my heart and hold them close to my soul.              bkm

Sermons We See

 

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day,

I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;

And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true;

But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what to do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

Edgar A. Guest

I found this in an Ideals Magazine from 1970.

 bkmackenzie

Garrison Kiellor

 

You know we all have our hero’s

and Garrison Keillor happens to be

one of mine —

 

I have often contempleted why, since

I have never met the man or even been

to one of his shows, yet I feel I know him

a little – or maybe he knows me -

being a native of  Lake Wobegon originally,

being a member of  that society of good people –

rubarb pie people -

 

Yes, those are my people,

who in winter identified themselves with

hand jestures because it is to cold to talk -

Strong people that work together, drink together

and pray together

then go home and talk about each other,

but all in good taste, you know -

 

“Did you see Margaret Hansen?  She was making

eyes at Ollie Walters, I wonder if Mrs. Walters

took notice?” 

 

Yes, those are my people – so when

Garrsion starts talking I feel right at home so

much so I pour a cup of coffee and pull

a frozen chocalate chip cookie out

of the freezer and quietly listen – that is

my ticket home, that is a time of reflection- 

 

I have thought alot about this

and I don’t think it is the red shoes

or the suit that do it for me,

no, I think not.  But, I do believe it is the manner

of speaking and the tone of his voice, yes I do believe

that is it, the thing that calls me back to listen

again and again.   It calms me that voice.

It calms me  like the vision of those

church steeples  when approaching

Lake Wobegon

knowing I will find,

 good, strong people

 waiting there.                     bkm   2009

 

 

I left Minnesota in 1971 – but like most things in our childhood the good remains – and the memories of  my Lake Wobegon life will be forever with me.