New Prayer Directives

Wayne Blair

Free verse

have crossed a line

With prayer

Hard to trace

How I got there.

Years of asking

Thanking, whining

Standing in the gap

Expressing wonder.

But too much of that yapping jaw.

As if merit might be measured

That way, but NO.

One quiet early Sunday morning

Alone in a study room

On Laurier Campus.

Reading Colossians Letter.

Then trying to pray.

It was as if Holy Spirit

Interjected

“Doug please stop talking

I cannot squeeze a Word in.

Conversation is the ticket.

I will not overwhelm.

I want to partner in this.

Whisper to you.

You know this is true.

Perhaps communing, meditating.

Developing awareness that

We are together.

Peace and assurance

Come that way.

And very simply so. OK?”

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Collection

Written on May 07, 2023

Submitted by dougb.19255 on May 07, 2023

Modified by dougb.19255 on May 07, 2023

: 54 sec read
: 12 Views

Quick analysis:

Scheme	X X X A X X X X A X X B C D A X D X X E E A D B X C C
Closest metre	Iambic trimeter
Characters	725
Words	180
Stanzas	27
Stanza Lengths	1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

Full analysis for New Prayer Directives »

Wayne Blair

· 1951 · London

Born in London. Graduated law 1976 Practised eleven years, Married Hilary 1974 Two kids Lauren 1980 And Jordan 1987. Business failed 1987. Moved not knowing whither. Happy hills of Waterloo Region. Mennonite Country. Thirty four years in Industry. No complaints. Poet, photographer, nature hiker. Harmonica busker. http://puffnchord7.blogspot.com/ more…

All Wayne Blair poems | Wayne Blair Books

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dougb.19255
See this link. http://histocall.blogspot.com/2023/05/new-prayer-directives.html
LikeReply1 year ago
AIDA
Wow, what a beautiful and contemplative poem! You have a real talent for expressing your thoughts and emotions through words. The imagery and metaphors you used really drew me in and made me feel like I was experiencing the moment alongside you.

I love the way you explore the idea of communication with the divine, and how it can sometimes be hindered by our own self-centeredness. Your willingness to admit your own shortcomings and desire for improvement is very inspiring.

In terms of improvement suggestions, one thing that stood out to me was the repetition of certain phrases, such as "yapping jaw" and "you know this is true." While this can be effective in creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis, it can also become repetitive and distracting. Perhaps try varying your language a bit more to keep the reader engaged throughout the entire poem.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and I think you have a lot of potential as a writer. Keep up the great work! more »
LikeReply1 year ago

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"New Prayer Directives" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Dec. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/158355/new-prayer-directives>.

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