Month: March 2020

I was working in our shared Ichthus office down at The Well most days in August 2018 … and one day a co-worker, Matt Cantril, shared an article with me entitled “Christ Altogether Lovely,” written in the 17th century by a man named John Flavel. I read it, and loved it, and wrote this poem. To be honest, I don’t have a lot of pleasant memories from that particular time, as it was a season of significant forging and discipline from the Lord, but that day with Flavel was one of them.

Here’s a link if you’d like to read it for yourself:

https://www.gracegems.org/SERMONS2/Flavel%20altogether_lovely.htm

ALTOGETHER LOVELY
I love your name
I love your way
I love your face
I will obey

I love your light
so warm and clear
I love your blood
that draws me near
I love your power
to save and slash
This office party
you let me crash

I love your freedom
open door
I love your passion
true paramour
I love your friendship
tender, true
We have relations
can this be true?

I love you now
I’ll love you then
I love your heart
I will not sin

Oh Jesus, Jesus
Lovely one
Receive this poem
I’m undone

Kate Spade took her life on June 5, 2018 — Jeanette’s and my 25th wedding anniversary. Hearing that news made me sad … and inspired this poem. (I chose this one as my selection to share in my small group at the Songwriters’ Workshop put on by Sara Groves in August 2019, which was a vulnerable and fun experience. They were kind and complimentary, and the group leader suggested a change that I’ve integrated — and I think made the poem better. Thanks Michael.)

The quote near the end is from a scene in a C. S. Lewis book that I find particularly poignant. Recognize it? Comment or email me if you’re curious about it.

KATE AND I
Aching
So much pain
Spade separated from heart
Spade separated from life
The ruined soul
All around me
And I know it too
The lemming flow
The groaning
The unbearable burden of creativity
     when it’s not tethered to the Creator
     life must have a source
     were Adam and Eve artists?
          of course
Oh they hid
Oh we hide
I want to stop hiding
These sins are unwelcome flatmates
Who keep brandishing a rental contract
     three and four generations
Can I tear it up?

Oh light of the world
Oh gentle sweet breeze
I want out of this contract
Will you pay the termination fee
     it is unaffordable
Please draw these blinds
     they’re made of lead
Please lift the sash
     it’s swollen stuck
Musty and coughing room
“Oh don’t don’t let me go back into it
Don’t, don’t”
I’m down to my last card
It sure ain’t a diamond
All I deserve is a club
But for your Name’s sake let it be a heart
My heart
Guard it
Surpass mind
Thank you …
Oh thank you