Author Archives: joshwcaudill

In October 2020, I was commissioned to write a liturgical piece to accompany our pastor’s sermon series through the book of Amos. Behold, the Word of God upon the vineAlong its trellis grows, but is withoutThe fruit of righteousness, though it is time. The summer fruit for us shall be a sign:The season’s end portendsContinue reading “Amos 8”

I wrote this poem in September of 2020, just after I heard the news about the grand jury decision in the case of the shooting of Breonna Taylor. They say it is risky to sit with the dyingWhen living amidst a pandemic.When the air itself is heavyWith death and rumors of death.If I die beforeContinue reading “The News”

“Take up your sword” I heard a prophet say,“The justice of the Lord we shall defend.”I take up arms and ready for the dayWhen, by my word or deed, I may portendThe coming wrath of God upon my foe;The righteous indignation for the sinOf those who sing of praise in empty showAnd suffer not theContinue reading “A Sonnet for Righteous Indignation”

Like smoke rises,Dissipating, permeatingThe rest of the air–Rich, meant for our breath–So fades this day,Like the last.Into weeks. Into years.Yet the smoke, as muchAs it pollutes, is a partNow indistinct. This day passes;Whatever its quality, it passes notAs something toxic,But as something essential. (May 6, 2016)

When Judas met the great teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, did he know how this story would go? When did Judas’ mind turn to profit? Was his devotion ever true? Surely their journey was one of genuineCompanionship. I think Judas lovedJesus, though by the endHis loves were many. What would it take for my love to fade into betrayal? WhatContinue reading “Jesus & His Friends (II)”

When Jesus first met that man Named Judas, did He know exactly How this story would end? Did Jesus know that his dear friend Would hand him over? If I had known, I would have Turned away, Betrayed Judas; So many shared tables later,Bread taken together again and again.To know that I would be broken in the end. Which isContinue reading “Jesus & His Friends (I)”

On the couch, recliningThe dog warms my feetIn rest. I sit, writing,In a place I am calling ‘home’. Across the street,Children wrestle sleep,Filled with dreams–The kind thatCall us to run fast,Faster. Parents laugh, tiredFrom work. “Work” thatCalling, as the wise put it,Striving labor whichMakes all else possible,The rest of us say.  In another city, aWomanContinue reading “This Is The World”

In townships, where life seems slower,Tides roll in, out as small families,Farmers, all folk gather or disperse. Life seems to call out, “Hurry along”For there are many places to be,Many worlds to see, And many things to become. This is the original tale told, from Eden.In truth, the world is here, in its fullness,Though we lookContinue reading “Here”

“So frail am I,” I oft have thoughtWhen wind or storm descend uponOr while upon this road whereonI find myself with worry fraught.For I do love, though I am not,To be a martyr; and thereonMy deepest pride is prone to spawn. And sharply yet does Christ forgive,Gives grace as he propitiates.His challenge there I find:Continue reading “Prone”

There are moments in life which,Without fail,Occur according to a precise schedule.It is easy to point outThe things which are wild, unpredictable,Disappointing.The things which operate likeClockwork,The mundane things,Are Ordinary,Boring, even.Or at least not the thingsFor which a person takes up pen and page.Then, some things split the difference;They go wrong in the very same wayContinue reading “Dunkin, JP”