A late snow

Friday’s sheet of snow,

tightly furled around the yard,

is now rumpled

as a muscular sun

pours its rays.

Blizzard pieces drop like rain

from frosted evergreens

Busy squirrels dimple,

intent on trails between trees

while hungry ferals stalk.

No greater love

Cantus presented a wonderful a capella concert at our little college in Orange City last night. In a chapel with great acoustics, the eight singers presented pitch-perfect, emotional pieces that touched the range of sacrifices by people in the armed services. It wasn’t sugar-coated, either. It was honest, gut-wrenching at times. Too, a few of the numbers made me smile and the audience chuckle.

The group presents a song a month on Soundcloud, the latest “Wondrous Love.” It gives a taste of how the group blends. If you click on this link, you may get something else. They post new songs regularly. The clip of their “No Greater Love” tour presents the event well.

One comment from one member of the group (I was so enthralled I didn’t note the individual. Sorry.) sticks with me. I paraphrase: What would our country be like if we all adopted the brotherhood, the desire to serve, the leadership exhibited, the camaraderie of those who invested part of their lives in the armed forces? The comment might have overstated, to some degree, but the kernel of that thought has stuck with me in an uncertain time.

Then, too, I’m in a group studying Galatians and Paul’s missive to the Galatian believers. Christ’s love is sufficient, even the pinnacle of what can be accomplished. As the Cantus concert and “Wondrous Love” clip hints, this idea still lives.

Not for sensitive persons

It’s really interesting the swear words Iowans choose!

If you are easily offended, do not click on the link. I found myself fascinated. Language is sometimes a head-scratcher.

Deciduosity

Planted

Near several towering evergreens,

the bare, squat crabapple,

practically shorn of all fruit

by agile, marauding squirrels,

cares little.

Its small whips

shine in the brightening sun

and dance in a warm wind

signalling spring.

Jazz + animation

Dare you not to grin watching this great little video! It reminded me of my old game of “kick the can.” I still challenge myself with the occasional walnut or two.

Whew… What a delight!

Every once in a while, a Facebook friends puts up a link to a real treat. I’d never heard “St. James Infirmary” quite like this rendition. Virtuosity!

Every musician in this crew gets a chance to shine.