Nov 28 2006
It cannot be.
It cannot be believed.
The hand that shot me down
Cannot be the one that then heals me.
It must not be.
It must not be true.
If that shooting hand is a helping hand,
Then, OH, what shall I do?
APN
Copyright 10/15/2006
Nov 27 2006
But I cannot see the face that belongs to that hand,
And that causes a flood of divergent thoughts
To nearly wash me away in my crimson stream.
Oh that hand!
Had it been able to stop the shooter’s game?
Had it been there before those shots in time?
I felt so much joy at seeing help there,
Wanting to pick my body up off the concrete,
Because in my brokenness, I had no way to move on my own.
Oh that hand!
I can now rise & walk again.
I can now be cleansed of this blood of mine.
But maybe, just maybe
That hand is the shooter’s.
So doesn’t that mean (and, oh, I hope not),
The shooter is still here?
Oh that hand!
That hand of hurt & hand of pain.
That hand of help! Shooter, is it thine?
And I still cannot see that face!
APN
Copyright 10/15/2006
Nov 21 2006
Jeff Jacobson
So I Go Now: Following After the Jesus of Our Day
Trafford Publishing
Rating: 7.4
It’s hard to resist a good story.
Whether you’re drawn in by the strong lead characters, the intricate plot twists, or the detailed description of the scenery, there are few things in this world as mentally, psychologically, or spiritually compelling as a well-written narrative. Stories can simply convey truths, spark interest, and stir emotions in a way that encyclopedias packed filled with facts and spreadsheets chock-full of statistics never could. Yes, those facts and statistics are backed up by quality research and in-depth analysis, but they are rarely as compelling as people and the stories behind those people. People just genuinely enjoy immersing themselves in a good story.
But even the best of biographies (you know, those history books actually about people) and those vaunted New York Times best-selling novels can become tired and stale if the main character is lame or the story-telling is too hagiographic or insipid. Continue reading “So I Go Now: Following After the Jesus of Our Day“
Nov 20 2006
***UPDATE!!!***
Pitchfork Media wrote a review of a recent Joanna Newsom concert and you can read it here!
Yeah yeah yeah…. I know that I should get back to writing my reviews and I’m going to — it’s just been a busy month at work (& I’ve been collecting new material so that I can have things to actually review). But in the meantime, please enjoy this wonderful review from Pitchfork Media on the new album from a wonderfully deep, creative, & quirky woman — Joanna Newsom. And, after reading the review, you’re even more intrigued by Joanna, I’d like to point you to an interview that Pitchfork just conducted with her — it’s quite enjoyable!
Joanna Newsom
Ys
[Drag City; 2006]
Rating: 9.4
The biggest tragedy concerning Joanna Newsom’s brave, marvelous new album, Ys, would be if everyone sat there listening to it like bored middle-school kids at an amateur Shakespeare production. Continue reading “Joanna Newsom – Ys“
Nov 19 2006
Stretched out,
Reaching for the stones right there in front of me,
Trying just to find the merest handhold.
Because,
If I’m ever going to leave this darkness,
Won’t I have to do it myself?
I’ve faced the gunshots
And
I’m facing the pain,
And
I know that I can’t stay where I am.
It’s just
That there’s nothing to hold onto
And no way to pull myself up.
I want
So badly to be cleansed & to walk again,
Though I’ve covered in my own sweat & blood.
I’ve faced the gunshots
And
I’m facing the pain,
And
I know that I can’t stay where I am.
My fists pound the street.
The tears flow down my cheeks.
And faster & faster does my heart beat.
I’ve gotta get out.
I need to get out.
So
I
Cry
Help!
Stretched out,
Another hand reaches for mine
And I have no clue who’s it is…
APN.
Copyright 10/08/2006
