Kevin Hartnett Poetry

And Then...

I saw them lift that awful tree, 

And then His face came clear-

The beating by the Roman guards

Had plainly been severe. 

His fabled, otherworldly eyes

Swelled thin from blows to them; 

And then the soldiers cursed the Jews,

And spit on Him again. 

 

He pulled and then He seized a breath,

And fell back from the pain. 

A trickle from His punctured brow 

Raced past His tongue in vain. 

So many times I’d heard Him speak; 

So much He taught seemed true...

And then- I’m not sure why- He said:

“They know not what they do.” 

 

The soldiers sat, and then began 

To gamble for His cloak. 

That some who touched it had been healed

Was bandied as a joke. 

“He lies,“ the leaders said, and then

Insulted Him in spite;

But I had seen it with my eyes- 

And knew that they weren’t right.

 

Two criminals were there as well,

Both being crucified.

They joined the others mocking that

The Christ would thus have died.

And then one seemed to soften-

Like he feared to God his vice.

He prayed, and then from Jesus

There was promised Paradise.

 

And then the countryside grew dark;

The ground began to shake;

And even the Centurion,

Great dread did overtake.

We heard Him cry, “It’s finished!” as

The earth howled in defraud,

And then we knew for certain that

This was the Son of God.

 

I searched for His disciples hard,

And then we heard it said:

“An angel’s told the women

He has risen from the dead!”

And so I sold all that I owned

And joined their company,

For He “would see them when He rose,”

And then, “in Galilee.”

 

-- K. Hartnett, April 2002

I carried the words "and then" around in my spirit for a long time before I got an idea for how to use them.  The poem obviously tells the story of the crucifixion, but also carries along a different story - the testimony of one gradually seeing and understanding that Christ was indeed the Son of God - and what effect that should have on living and believing.  Every Christian has their own "and then" story of God's gracious enlightenment and their response of faith and commitment.

Honored Be Thy Wondrous Word!

With Your Name supreme exalted, 

Honored be Thy wondrous Word! 

Safed from mankind's ill persuasion, 

Has Thy truth thus been preserved. 

Warnings sure, but comforts better! 

One the witness from its parts;  

Fire to heat the studied preacher; 

Hammer cracking stony hearts. 

 

Could there work a keener power, 

Strong and sharp to meet its ends? 

By it stand the stars of heaven; 

With it, angels swift He sends. 

Piercing down 'tween soul and spirit, 

Finer than a two-edged sword; 

Strength prepared to smite the nations, 

Poised to slay the devil's horde. 

 

Agent of the great Creator, 

Moving surely through the earth;  

Sowing seed that brings salvation, 

Watering the souls You birth; 

Daily feeding thankful thousands, 

Earnest trust of those in need;  

Faithful to fulfill Your purpose, 

'Turning not 'til You succeed.  

 

Light of Life dispelling darkness, 

Lamp before the pilgrim's stride, 

Let illumined truth resplendent 

Richly in my soul abide! 

Turn these eyes from worthless pastimes, 

Teach me all Thy ways aright;  

Open up Your wondrous statutes; 

In Thy law is my delight!

 

 

-- K. Hartnett, March 1999

 

I've dedicated this poem to Dr. John Piper of Desiring God Ministries because of his infectious love for the scriptures and marvelous teaching from them.  It was one of his teaching tapes that broke the writer's block that I had and helped me finish this poem.  Sad but true, my block was after the very first line - a line that I carried around in my head for the better part of a year!  May the Lord open up His glorious Word to you afresh, Dr. Piper.

FYI - My original format for this poem included a second column with references to the various scriptures that I paraphrased in the body of poem.  Unfortunately, the center column of this blog template is too narrow to include them.  If you'd like a copy of this version, click here: Download honored_be_thy_wondrous_word.doc

'Tis There Beyond the Reach of Earth

Photo by K. Hartnett

'Tis there beyond the reach of earth

That ever draws my heart away...

To wonder at the universe;

To think, to watch,

To dream, to pray.

 

K. Hartnett, May 1997

 

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You haveset in place, what is man that You are mindfulof Him, the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:3,4)

The Moon and Venus - Beauty Graces the Predawn Sky 

The two brightest objects in our nighttime sky, the Moon and the planet Venus, combined their brilliance for this spectacular sight on the morning of January 27, 1995. Although not rare, optical co-alignments like this of Venus and the Moon (called conjunctions) usually happen only a couple times a year and many are clouded out or happen before dawn. In this photo the planet and the bright limb of the Moon are purposefully overexposed in order to reveal the fainter light coming from the non-illuminated lunar face. Called “earthshine,” this glow is light from the sun reflected first from the cloud tops of the earth to the Moon, where it is bounced back to earth.

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights!  Praise Him, all His angels, praise Him, all His host!  Praise Him, Sun and Moon, praise Him all you shining stars!

(Psalm 148:1-3)

I took this dramatic picture from the rear parking lot of our Maryland suburban church in the frigid pre-dawn January sky. The startling appearance of Venus so close above the Moon made me want to point to the sky, yell something, and bring others to notice. It was this emotion, tempered through contemplation, that drove me to write this poem. “’Tis there,’ - beyond man’s ability to spoil it- that there lies a God-given beauty which causes me to think, wonder, watch, and prayerfully worship.

 

 

Minister of Mystery

Photo by K. Hartnett

Minister of mystery,

The comet pierces history,

And lifts the head of mortal mind
To contemplate the Grand Design.

K. Hartnett, April 1997

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,and all their host by the breath of His mouth. (Psalm 33:6)

 

 

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. (Proverbs 3:19)

 

Comet Hale-Bopp - Brilliant Celestial Visitor  

Named after its co-discoverers, Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp, this beautiful comet was an easy naked-eye object during the months of March and April, 1997. Comets are bodies of dirty ice and rock which travel around the sun in long elliptically -shaped orbits. Some, like comet Halley, return relatively frequently. But most comets, like Hale-Bopp, take thousands of years to complete just one trip around the sun. Based on its orbit, this celestial visitor was last seen around the era of the Old Testament Patriarchs (ca. 2000 BC). Although the comet nucleus is usually only tens of miles across, the tail, formed from jets of steam and dust, can extend millions of miles. In this photo you can clearly see a blue plasma tail, made up of ionized gas, and a white dust tail. The complex interaction of the solar wind and the sun’s gravity cause them to separate in the vacuum of space.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.  (Psalm 19:1)

I took this photo of comet Hale-Bopp from the Virginia countryside near Flint Hill.  It was a bit windy and I feared the worst - jiggling telescopes make bad pictures.  This was about a 12 minute exposure.  -- K.H.

 

If Ever a Complaint

If ever a complaint

Or thankless notion makes its way

Across my restless tongue,

Or finds a haven where to prey

Upon my better sense,

May then the grace of God be plain;

Reminding me from whence

My soul’s right destiny was claimed.

K. Hartnett, December 1999

 

Sometimes it's funny where and when you'll get a little inspiration and a few minutes to work on a poem.  I distinctly remember writing this one from the parent's observation balcony at a local indoor swimming pool while the children splashed and played below.  I much prefer writing where it's quiet - but who's complaining?

 

 

And In That Darkened Fluid Red

They rose beneath His punctured brow

And trickled quickly down His face.

Repulsion at the sheer disgrace

Made Jewish faithful disallow

That here the blood of sacrifice

Was dripping into dusty ground,

And underneath that twisted crown-

The greatest gift one could endow.

It was indeed a mystery,

Though not for lack of plain discourse;

And miracles did sure endorse

His claims as more than sophistry, 

Yet somehow deafness struck the ear,

And eyes, though open, bluntly failed

To see the limbs there cruelly nailed

Shed life for all humanity.

 

The Law prescribed it long before-

An offering to cover sin.

But slaughtered sheep could scarce begin

To empty God’s expunging store.

The want in ev’ry human act-

But worse than that- each motive there

Came boldly naked; unaware

What Holy eyes could but abhor.

 

Unclear then was the cost at hand,

Or that one Figure could suffice

To pay for the accounted vice

Of all who failed the Law’s demand.

‘Twas Him alone- the Pascal Lamb-

Who, blemish free, would there atone

And bear the wrath of God alone

To ransom sinners- just as planned.

 

And so we gaze into the cup,

Remembering that fateful day

A fellow sinner would betray

The Blessed One with whom he supped.

And in that darkened fluid red,

Our full reflection may we see-

That pressing to the cross may we

Be sprinkled clean by looking up.

-- K. Hartnett, May 2006

I read a poem that used a similar rhyming scheme and was captivated by the challenge of doing something like it.  It was definitely a challenge, but I'm happy with the result.

 
In verse three, I liken being startled by a naked person to the reaction- greatly oversimplified and weakened- of God to human sin.  His holiness is afronted by it in a way we simply can't fully understand.  A preacher once compared the stench of human sin in God's nostrils to the stench we smell when walking through the pig house at a state fair.  Those who work in the house get so used to it, they don't really mind it- or notice it - but an outsider sure does!  God is outside even the slightest hint of sin.  How it must affect Him!

 

Worship God 2006 Conference

What a joy it was to attend the Sovereign Grace Ministries Worship God 2006 conference and meet many of you there!  May the Lord help us to see Him more clearly, 'draw near' the throne as a way of life, and live in anticipation of both His active presence now and His eternal presence with us in the new heavens and earth!

Many of you asked about the alternate lyrics for 'Come Christians Join to Sing' which I wrote and which we sung together during the opening night of the conference.  Thank you for asking; I'm glad you found the lyrics edifying. I was unfamiliar with the hymn when I was asked by Bob Kauflin and Ken Boer (worship leader at Covenant Life Church) in April of this year to consider adding a third verse that contained a statement of the gospel.  I was immediately drawn to the simple, yet exhilarating and worshipful style of the hymn.  It didn't take long to add the third verse and modernize some of the other language of the hymn.  To my knowledge, we've only sung it once as a congregation since April- so I was as surprised as any one else Wednesday night when the conference opened with it!

I've included the alternate lyrics below a short description of the hymn and the original lyrics as found on the Center for Church Music website where you can also find and mp3 file of a congregation singing the original lyrics.  There is also information available there about Christian Bateman who wrote the original lyrics and the melody know as MADRID, attributed to English choirmaster W. Matthews.

It's so encouraging to me to see how the Lord continues to use the writings of His people, even generations after they're gone. I wrote the following little poem some years ago contemplating a similar theme:

The stars I see are yesteryear's;

Their glow, from flames of glory past.

And now my life, a light, appears;

How far will my effect be cast?

Another note from the conference: the poem I read from the floor microphone entitled "Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment" was posted August 7th and can also be found by clicking on the 'Gospel' category to the left.  I also recommend Bob Kauflin's notes from the conference- and worship in general- available at Worshipmatters.com

Blessings to all...Kevin

 

 

"Come Christians, Join to Sing" began as a Sunday school song for children. Originally entitled, "Come, Children, Join to Sing," the hymn's name was changed when its author realized everyone loved to sing his hymn. The hymn was written in 1843 and first appeared in a Scottish hymnbook for children entitled Sacred Melodies for Sabbath      Schools and Families.        The words "alleluia" and "amen" are found in each stanza, drawing on rich biblical language. "Alleluia", the Latin equivalent of Hallelujah, is found in many of the Psalms and means "Praise the Lord." "Amen," of course, ends many prayers, and it simply means "truth," "assuredly," or "so be it."        Combining the praise of "Alleluia" with the jubilant assertion of "Amen" this hymn resounds with praise for Christ our King. Calling on Christians to sing praise both now and forevermore, it's a fitting hymn for children and adults alike.

Come, Christians, join to sing
Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King;
Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice,
Before His throne rejoice;
Praise is His gracious choice,
Alleluia! Amen!

 

Come, lift your hearts on high,
Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky;
Alleluia! Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend;
To us He'll condescend;
His love shall never end.
Alleluia! Amen!

   

Praise yet our Christ again,
Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain;
Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven's blissful shore,
His goodness we'll adore,
Singing forevermore,
"Alleluia! Amen!"

Alternate Lyrics - Sung at the Conference

Come, Christians, join to sing,
Alleluia!  Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King;
Alleluia!  Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice,
Before His throne rejoice;
Praise is His gracious choice.
Alleluia!  Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high,
Alleluia!  Amen!
Let praises fill the sky;
Alleluia!  Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend;
He will His grace extend;
His love shall never end.
Alleluia!  Amen!

Come, praise the risen Lamb,
Alleluia!  Amen!
He died to ransom man.
Alleluia!  Amen!
On that triumphant day,
He took our sins away;
Death could not bid Him stay,
Alleluia!  Amen!

Come, let our praise remain,
Alleluia!  Amen!
Death shall not end the strain;
Alleluia!  Amen!
On that eternal shore,
His goodness we'll adore,
Singing forevermore,
"Alleluia!  Amen!"

He Who Places Faith in Jesus

He who places faith in Jesus 

Gains a hope which cannot fail. 

Weak and brokenhearted souls will 

Through God’s faithfulness prevail. 

Rise up to embrace His promise; 

He works only what is right. 

Joy returns unto the righteous; 

Into darkness, He brings light. 

 

Faithful love He keeps forever; 

Mercies new appear each day. 

By His Spirit, through His people, 

Grace will carry griefs away. 

Lift your heart to study Jesus, 

He has walked this way before. 

Painful loss came to the Savior, 

Yet He trusted God the more. 

 

We, the sheep, have Him as Shepherd! 

He will guide us day and night. 

Worry lurks at ev’ry turn but 

Perfect Love dismisses fright. 

Place His loving yoke upon you; 

Know His presence at your side. 

He will help you through the trouble; 

Ev’ry step, Himself provide.

K. Hartnett, May 2003

I wrote this poem to comfort several church families who- through various sibling and marriage relationships- all felt the loss of a particular loved one who passed away.

 

 

My Soul Must Seek to Carry On

My soul must seek to carry on, 

Though pressing sorrows fill the day. 

The finish line is yet beyond 

The trouble standing in the way. 

His Word has not the slightest changed; 

Fresh mercies flower new each day. 

My soul must seek to carry on, 

And not before this trial give way. 

 

My soul must seek to carry on, 

The truth requires I hold her fast. 

'Tis not my strength that readies me, 

But His provision, first to last. 

A mighty mandate rules in life 

For those whose love and call are sure: 

"He works together all for good," 

My soul has reason to endure. 

 

My soul has cause to carry on; 

The precious brethren cheer my way. 

And in the grace of fellowship,  

I find my burdens borne away. 

What grand design holds me in place, 

As members fitly each supply! 

My soul has cause to carry on; 

They carry me, as them do I. 

 

My soul is fit to carry on; 

A wondrous wardrobe aids me there. 

As arms and heart reach heavenward, 

A cloak of praise replaces care. 

Strong armor clothes me head to toe; 

I move equipped in heaven's might. 

My soul is fit to carry on, 

To war in prayer, and stand for right. 

 

My soul delights to carry on; 

His Blessed Spirit beckons me. 

That still small voice conveys a force 

Of confident security. 

The Prince of Promise leads me on; 

A life of fruitful labor, mine. 

My soul delights to carry on,  

Its joy renewed; the glory, Thine!

K. Hartnett, September 1998

I dedicated this poem to my senior pastor at the time, C.J. Mahaney, and gave it to him on his birthday.  As I wrote it, I felt a certain excitement of inspiration - a sense that the poem would be useful to many.  Several years later, when I learned that the commander of the lost Space Shuttle Columbia (Rick Husband) was a Christian, I sent this poem to his wife and her pastor.  I later learned that she read it before about 2500 VIPs at a black-tie event sponsored by the National Space Club.  She reportedly said to someone afterwards that she keeps a copy of it with her in her purse.

I have a version of the poem with a second column that lists out the various scripture references that are paraphrased in the poem.  If you'd like a copy of this you can find it here:
Download my_soul_must_seek_to_carry_on_word_file.doc

Naked and Alone, Hung the Son of God

Gruesome as a kill, 

Bent His bloodied form. 

Taunting passers-by 

Moved away in scorn. 

Furtive, ugly dogs 

Circled for His blood. 

Naked and alone, 

Hung the Son of God. 

 

Hated by His foes, 

Frightful to His friends; 

Torn by whip and thorns; 

Spit upon His head; 

Heinous pagan nails 

Pounded in each hand; 

Helpless, but resolved, 

Held the Son of Man. 

 

“I must drink the cup.” 

“God’s will must be done.” 

“This, His righteous plan; 

I, His blessed Son.” 

Anguished, longing eyes 

Besought the Father’s love; 

Then the Father looked, 

And crushed the Son of God. 

 

O magnify the Lamb 

Who bravely paid the price, 

And walked the path alone 

To brutal sacrifice. 

His work commands the praise 

Of all whose breath there be, 

And shouts the grace of God 

Into eternity. 

 

 

A contemplation on Psalm 22. 

Kevin Hartnett, June 2001 

 

 

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 

Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?...  

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 

(Psalm 22:1,11)

 

I read someplace that the Jewish meter of lament was the meter of five syllables.  While I don't know Hebrew, and can't say whether this is correct or not, it gave me the idea for the meter of this poem - eight lines of five syllables.  The alert reader will notice that the final stanza is eight lines of six syllables.  To help the ear make the transition from the third stanza to the final one, I made the meter of the third stanza: 5-5-5-5-5-6-5-6.  I think the poetic thought of last stanza may be among my finest.