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One of my favorite poems is Jack Gilbert’s “A Brief for the Defense”. I don’t often share that because most people don’t care that I like poetry. That, and many that do are upset that I like that poem. For the second time since we started this weekly blog, I set out to write something of a defense for “A Brief for the Defense”, but it’s just too lackluster – my stuff, not the poem – and so maybe I will another time. Consider this an invitation for the poetry enjoyers among you to check it out and let’s talk about it. Whether or not you like it. When I hit a wall with something like that, I often read essays or interviews to put myself in a space more connected with what I’m working on. In one of those, Gilbert shared a then unpublished poem I’d never heard of. The title, “The Great Debate”, initially had me wondering if it was somehow in conversation with the other, if perhaps this was the moment when it would all become clear. I would have the poet’s own words to defend my defense of his “Defense”. But instead, it’s just a delightful poem, and an incredibly lopsided “Debate”. And definitely worth sharing. Who would want to be thinking day and night?
the young man said, eating his chicken
in the beautiful cool shade. Me, I said
before I could stop myself. Heard how it sounded
but knew what would happen if I qualified it.
Me, I said again, but he was already talking
about how a doctor had cured his knee with magic.
One of my goals is to be a lifelong learner. I hope to never be content with what I know or understand or appreciate, at least not to the point of affecting my curiosity. And part of that for me is being very aware of the temptation of ignorance or numbness. This is one of the ways the “deadly sin” of sloth is sometimes described, that our neglect to face reality misses the truth of others, and even ourselves. It can be easier to not face things, but I promise you two things: 1) it won’t change for you until you do, and 2) you don’t have to do it alone. Part of the promise of our incarnate messiah is understanding and presence; God is not only with us, but has lived the human experience. And part of the promise of being a part of the San Marco Church family is that we journey together, not alone. “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part gets the glory, all the parts celebrate with it” (1 Corinthians 12.26, CEB). If there are ways we can journey together in a season you’re facing, and if you’re ready, let me or us know. Until then, let God know. And keep up a willingness to think, to face, to live out your faith. Grace and Peace be with you. Rev. Ben Richards
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