“Passion’s Deep Concern” [Series of Reflections on David du Chemin’s Book The Soul Of The Camera - pp. 193-201]
I think back now to early days
Of picture-taking, and the ways
My dad said, “Check it out, go see
Man up the street, and you will be –“Far better served than blind attack
On stiff career for which you lack
Sustaining energy within
To end the task, once you begin.”I did – I followed his advice –
Checked out the man, did not suffice;
So dad said, “Camera club – meet guys
Ahead of you – learn from the wise.”How blessed I was through Nelson, Ed,
That Mennonite who later said,
He’d studied for the ministry,
Then left, that he might better see.One day friend Nelson said to me,
“I would not ever full-time be,
Lest I despise what I now love –
Shoot what I want – no push and shove.“It funds itself; I love the craft;
Some pros are friends – we’ve cried and laughed
At agonies of “Get it right –
Regardless; working hours at night.”I said to self, “That fits for me –
Take pictures that I love – I see
That pros do work that needs be done,
But for that scene, I’m not the one.”One-third it’s been for my career –
Not more or less, when that, it’s clear
I’m out of whack – “Supportive” more
Or “Adjunct” to what I adore –Or whom, more accurately said –
You, Lord, without whom I’d be dead,
Or such a wreck there be no point;
As Lord, our work You do anoint –Not with elixir elsewhere got,
Or what’s received with tools I’ve bought,
But with that “magic” light-ening touch
That glows in dark – life-giving, such –That folks who view the work we do
Feel moved inside, when such are viewed
By Spirit moving through some pix
To health and wholeness – somehow fixed.To me that’s “Passion” rightly viewed;
Not inner heat of life, enthused;
But Spirit-breathed – enthused indeed –
Which through such art meets deepest need.Thanks Lord for this.
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