…….
by John Anderson
New Mexico State University
John Anderson is currently getting his teaching license for English/Literature at New Mexico State University. He is currently majoring in Independent studies, and has one year left of college. John has written numerous Christian plays, musicals, short films and TV episodes, and has released two Christian short films on YouTube. However, John’s most prized work is his newest book, The Price of Salvation, soon to be published. John has been a practicing Christian most of his life and hopes to bring individuals closer to Christ. Find him on Instagram @actuallyjohnanderson.
…….
i.
I feel the darkness of the world that lives.
Scared, and ominously cautious.
The stress fills the air, suffocating all.
No one dare go outside.
The shadows of demons follow, bride and not alike.
But they cannot touch the saved.
No, not all are saved! Not all are saved! Chaos ensues.
Come in, all children. Come in.
Children, always afraid of the dark,
But God’s are the light.
The world claws, and looks for home. The safe space.
But we have found our home, in our place.
I feel for the people. God and Satan alike.
We all seem lost.
We are not so different. We are all human.
Both, supernatural.
Some walk with angels, and some with devils.
But now the devils turn on their friends.
But angels walk amongst their allies, do not fear, do not fear!
For the christian be brave and rejoice.
The coming of The Lord is near.
v.
In this life I have discovered, we get what we deserve.
If you are to be a fool, then foolishly you will be rewarded.
Heroes make a hero’s journey. Yet, so do the villains.
For without a villain, there is no hero.
Only a soul, destined for greatness it cannot achieve.
Yet a villain can suffer all the same.
So in a world so obsessed with heroes and villains.
I ask: “which am I?”
I know I claim to be a son of God.
Yet I act undeserving.
What is it to be a hero or a villain?
It is to get what you deserve, in the end.
x.
The love of God comes calling still.
Will I answer?
Knowing many ways and many forms.
I see what my future holds.
God’s grace stands in perfect will.
Yet I falter?
Only because it defies the norms.
No. That’s a lie often told.
My fate blows with a warm chill.
For I, a creature?
A caged monkey who performs ill.
How can I be so bold?
My fears amass, my choices to kill.
Am I worthy for thy daughter?
I have faced hells mighty storms.
I am worn, my soul to mold.
But with every storm, a land is filled.
Do I forget my master?
For my devils all will mourn.
To them, I turn cold.
With what gift, does my heart fill?
The jewel in my crown won’t falter.
Worries, all adjourn.
To God , we are sold.
xviii.
Lord, walk with me;
For I cannot walk alone.
xx.
Ah, Ah the heart of a child.
How strange they know what’s mine.
For if we had the light of a child, child
Perhaps we’d let it shine.
Interview With The Author
1. What was your inspiration for this piece?
During this time of writing the poems I was dealing with a lot of internal turmoil. I would often times deal with these struggles by writing poetry, and thus the inspiration for these poems was just that: my greatest struggles being dealt with on paper. Think of the paper like a battlefield, and my pen the sword, contemplating and confronting my biggest demons as we dueled to the death.
2. What is your creative process?
Well, I like to believe my writing is a gift from God. So naturally, if I wish to use this gift I have to get into the spirit with Him. For my poetry, all of it is actually written in church before the service starts, or in most cases (as shameful as it may be to admit) during the preaching. My creative process begins by waiting for His presence, feeling the anointing, and letting Him flow through me as we deal with whatever it was I was going through. Usually this happens by clearing my mind, and the second the anointing hits he gives me a thought to expound upon, and the two of us go on that journey together. For my books however, it's an entirely different process but, in a way thats why I love the poetry a lot. It's hard to get into the spirit with Him while writing the books at home, but in His place of worship? Thats a direct line right there, no doubt about it. Also on a side note, all of my poems are first written in a small handheld journal with pen on paper. Then, after they’re written I take to the computer and write them down for sharing. This just helps me to really slow down and not get distracted by tech and such.
3. What are some influences on your artistic process?
I would say some influences are definitely my beliefs, God Himself, myself, and the people who these poems are written for. Ultimately I write this work for Gods people, and really anyone else who may want to read it to help encourage them on their walk in life. Though these poems were written to help me deal with things, it was always the plan to eventually share them with the people, as God had lead me to do. So in a way I was always thinking about them as I expressed myself with God right there with me.
4. Is there anything more you’d like our readers/viewers to know about you or your work?
I often times don't associate myself with titles like poet or writer. I don't believe I’ve had enough experience to be titled as such, so I often times like to refer to myself as a storyteller, who occasionally tells his stories in poetry. With what little experience I have, without God these works would not be possible. God bless you all!
Editors’ Comments
This untitled collection of poetry has vulnerability written all over. The poet expresses his questioning and uncertainty of his faith that many people fear to voice.