Eden in Green

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In winter's depth,

I dream in green,

not the kind that doesn’t last,

not money,

not bottle glass.

My needs are supplied,

no envy.

I mean fairways�"

so fresh and clean

they feel forgiven,

redeemed from blizzards.

Greens rolled smooth,

like God painted them Himself.

There’s something holy about it.

The long walk.

The quiet before the putt.

The perfect sound of a drive.

The way the ball takes off�"

heaven-bound,

trying to escape the chaos.

The lake on the sixth hole.

Birdie.

Bogey.

Eagle.

A strange gospel,

spoken in hushed fall colors,

curses, whispers.

Learned by faith and feel,

not belief.

The clubhouse feels like a church.

Coffee instead of confession.

Sunlight dapples the carts,

lined up like pews.

Sparrows, robins, and squirrels

watch in reverence

from oak and elm trees.

Beneath December skies,

my brother practices in his room,

constructing half-mad contraptions,

artificial grass mats.

He swings the nine-iron, the hybrids,

at ghosts and plastic balls,

grinning like a kid caught

with a girly magazine,

like a man who knows

spring is real�"

even when it seems to take forever.

I used to wait for liquor stores to open.

Now I wait for April,

for Eden,

cut low,

shining beneath that beautiful sun.

I long for that first step

onto the course,

even the drive to Oak Hills,

to see the diligence,

the discipline of the groundskeeper.

I know staying sober is hard work,

earned one day at a time.

If there’s a heaven for the redeemed,

it’s a par-3, nine-hole course,

freshly mowed,

with an eternity

of possibility.

Reviews

[Michael Sun Bear]

This poem was a wonderful surprise. I would never have guessed you were a golfer. Though I have never played golf, I truly relate to your emotions expressed here. For me, before my body completely fell apart, it was cycling. I would rise at dawn when endless empty streets and roads lay before me, there was something holy about all the choices to be made, the possibilities. It felt so good to push my body. As usual, very well written my friend.

[Thomas W Case]

Very cool. Thank you, my friend.

[Soren]

This poem was well laid out. It felt like open air. Well done Thomas

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks I appreciate it much.

[Soren]

You are most welcome Thomas

[John the Baptist]

Odd, I've never thought of golf as a religious experience. I guess that means a hole in one is equivalent to salvation. I don't want to even think about what a bogey means.

[Thomas W Case]

Lol. Thank you John. I appreciate it.

[Rosie E C…]

I like the structure of this poem. Even the sentences seem shorter and more carefully written.

Some playful imagery and a strong connection to nature and the outdoors.

This is a very inviting piece. The reader feels welcomed into your world of insight.

Animals, the weather and a passion for golf.

A peaceful, quiet read.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, Rosie. I appreciate the comment.

[Buddhistboy73]

I don't play golf myself but I can appreciate this ode to the sport.....

Nice work .....:)

BB73

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[ETERNITY]

Thomas W Case, Your write is beautiful and spiritual.
It seems untainted by worries of the world.
You are in the right spot, mentally, creatively, spiritually.
Sometimes long distance friendships are the best.
You are the best.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[JessyJacob]

Hi Thomas,
I miss you today so much.
I can see what you are going through
For innocents it is easy to get hurt by clever people. They just keep silent whatever the person is saying. Somehow and through time I thought silence is great because it doesn't hurt me and anybody else too.

You say venting is good. But i feel not saying is best thing. I miss my husband first time he misunderstood me. For that hurt I wrote few lines what I was going through after few hours i thought I am hurting him.
Though whoever says wrong keeping silence is best because if we say something. It will be one more hurt.

I like to be silent though my husband says I need to speak it out but i don't want to.

Sorry for long reply. I tried to not to say. But I thought I just want him to know it was my mistake

Jessy Jacob ❤️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Take care of yourself.

[ETERNITY]

There is Heaven, Thomas, you know as well as I. It will be everything you love. Yes! I believe you will have endless greens to drive from. I truly believe when we leave these flesh bodies, the ones who accept Christ's death and resurrection, we all become part of God's CONSCIOUS. We will know everything!
Everything you love will be right there for you. I really believe that.
You're so awesome!

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. You are fantastic.

[ETERNITY]

Thomas W Case, I want to say something clever but all I can think of is Kodachrome

[red93]

Golfing is good clean fun compared to alcohol. Good Exercise as well. Really Excellent, you make us feel yr love for this wholesome Sport ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.