Literature and Empathy By Damaris Zehner In May of 1998, my husband, three daughters, and I – pregnant with our fourth – moved to Kyrgyzstan. We went with a non-denominational mission agency and planned to develop a business in one of the most remote areas. We had many reasons for taking our family overseas toContinue reading “Fridays with Damaris: Literature and Empathy”
Category Archives: Damaris Zehner
Fridays with Damaris: Another Look – The Myth of Autonomy
The Myth of Autonomy By Damaris Zehner Americans take for granted, even idealize, the ideal of personal autonomy. Many Americans believe that autonomy is achievable and that it’s the most honorable lifestyle there is. They believe that people are autonomous individuals. Even if I’m not as autonomous as I should be, because I lack courageContinue reading “Fridays with Damaris: Another Look – The Myth of Autonomy”
Fridays with Damaris: Another Look – Integrity of Life
Integrity of Life by Damaris Zehner For, with the old order destroyed, a universe cast down is renewed, and integrity of life is restored to us in Christ. Prayer offered during Mass: May 3, 2015 • • • The phrase “integrity of life” reached out and grabbed me when I heard it a few monthsContinue reading “Fridays with Damaris: Another Look – Integrity of Life”
Friday with Michael & Damaris: Pentecost
Pentecost The room is still; the hearth is cold and dark. A rancid smell of ashes fills the air. The candles stand neglected. Windows stare Like blinded eyes unlit by any spark. How dead this place – no life has left its mark Upon the icy floor, the table bare; No breeze, no breath, noContinue reading “Friday with Michael & Damaris: Pentecost”
Fridays with Damaris: Infinity
Infinity By Damaris Zehner You tossed the earth Into the oceans of space Where it floated, glowing Green against blackness. From that tiny impact Ripples circled outward, Reaching warm fingers of water Into the emptiness between the planets, Lifting stars as lightly as Drifting blossoms on their waves. Not even at the farthest reaches OfContinue reading “Fridays with Damaris: Infinity”
Fridays with Damaris: The Surrounding Fields
The Surrounding Fields By Damaris Zehner The house where I live is on a three-acre square of land. One side of the square faces a barely paved county road; the other three are surrounded by farm fields owned by a farmer who lives nearby. My family enjoys this setting. It’s quiet. The nearest traffic isContinue reading “Fridays with Damaris: The Surrounding Fields”
Fridays with Damaris: My Vegetable Love
My Vegetable Love By Damaris Zehner Although I’m sometimes reluctant to go out and work in the garden – I don’t want to get dirty, it’s hot and humid, there’s an overwhelming amount to do – I am always astonishingly happy when I do. I begin by pulling weeds or hoeing with mechanical efficiency; soonContinue reading “Fridays with Damaris: My Vegetable Love”
Poetry Week: Morning Four – Damaris Zehner
This Fallen World By Damaris Zehner I walked every day through the West African town, Rust-red dirt beneath my feet, green leaves crowding overhead. The sounds of chickens and of mortars pounding Marked the houses hiding in the trees along the road. But one day, at my feet, against the rust-red dirt, I saw AContinue reading “Poetry Week: Morning Four – Damaris Zehner”
Poetry Week: Midday One – Damaris Zehner
The End of the Anthropocene By Damaris Zehner Picture a car, speeding along a highway in the morning. A voice on the radio is gabbling about some crisis. The driver’s cell phone is on, lying on the console next to her; She’s shouting at someone. In her hand is fast food, Wrapped in greasy yellowContinue reading “Poetry Week: Midday One – Damaris Zehner”
Poetry Week: Morning One – Damaris Zehner
Note from CM: I know this may not draw as many comments as some of our regular discussion posts, but I have wanted to have a “Poetry Week” here for a long time. So this will be the week. Each day, we will publish two poems, one just after midnight, the other after noon. Hopefully, this willContinue reading “Poetry Week: Morning One – Damaris Zehner”
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