Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. ~ Philippians 1:27-28, MSG

 

 

Matching bookends: tallest two timber

Towering edges heads above clustered targets

Switching directions, alternating,

Running side-to-side,

Inching backwards.

 

Facing one ball flinger then the other;

Ducking headshots, jumping tosses aimed at feet

Sidestepping ‘on the full’ chucks—

Intending to zero out dodgers.

 

Elimination is name of the game:

Growing throwers against vanishing dodgers

Battling in poisonball—

Dodgeball version of war

Between team rivals 

Fighting for their lives.

 

Last man standing is goal

Achieved by evading one, two, three, four or more

Hurled balls by non-resurrected

Contenders now pursuing

Deletion of still alive hopefuls

Competing for winner’s crown.

                                                                                       

 

~ from the “Second Wind” chapter in “My Spirit’s Musings” manuscript