Two Poems To Ponder

My time at the Truth Voice Conference in Springfield, Ohio, and at the Emergent Theological/Philosophical Conversation in Philadelphia has left my head spinning, my heart racing, and my faith stretched. There is far too much to share in brief posts on a blog. However, there are two poems that have come to mind that explore some of my thoughts.

The first is Harlem, by Langston Hughes:

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

The second poem plays with the concept of Truth. It is by Emily Dickenson:

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant-
Success in circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind-