Two Poems by John Robert Howell

(John is my husband, and though his Bible website, biblenoteskjvcs, is under John R. Howell, he publishes his other writing under his full name)



  
                                             What is healing like?





What is healing like?

Not one exactly mirrors any other.

It may be the overspreading of a sense of Love,

A sudden, unexpected emergence into light,

The illumination of a long-obscure passage,

The appearance of a star to guide our weary way.



Or from some bed of pain and fear

We might see a numinous mountain stream,

Turn over an intriguing stone or two

In its clear, invigorating waters,

And find before us a polished agate.








                                                     Head and Heart



                                When head and heart do not agree,
                                          You're flying on one wing.
                                Cold doctrine isn't the only plea.
                                          Love has a warmer ring.


                               Exacting truths, unblessed by Love
                                        Chill when they should chafe.
                              The letter mildly urged by shove
                                       Still lacks the Spirit's grace.