The Color of Dust

In this episode, we explore the idea of “The Break.” This gets us into a discussion of spoons, as you would expect—and from spoons to civilizations and back again. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Episode 64 and AI Discussion 02:30 The Break: Understanding David Jones's Concept 06:11 Utility vs. Gratuity: The Cultural Dilemma 13:5...

During this special episode, we take stock of where we’ve been and what we’re all about—and Jack gives us a special musical performance of his song “When Death Had Its Heyday/Where O Death Is Your Sting?” We also included Jack’s song “The Burning Sun Cried Jonah” within the episode, and you can listen to the full song here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other sub...

“The more people who know this poem, the better culture will be,” said Dr. Thomas Dilworth during our conversation about arguably one of Dylan Thomas’s greatest poems, which is titled “Poem on His Birthday.” In addition to the text of his poem below, we’re giving you a powerful audio recording of Dylan Thomas reading his poem, along with inciteful commentary from Dr. Dilworth, a scholar of Modern...

This is the poem Jack read at the end of episode 62 of The Color of Dust lawndcast, which was titled, An Altar of Unhewn Lawnd . Jack ‘brought out’ this treasure at the 1 hour and sixteen minute mark, and I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss it, so I am highlighting it here. There are many lines, if not the entire poem, which would be good to commit to memory. the dancing efflorescence is it good...

In this conversation, we explore the multifaceted symbolism of grass in the Bible, discussing its connections to beauty, transience, and the human experience. We reflect on how modern relationships with nature have changed, particularly regarding lawns and their cultural significance. The discussion delves into themes of stewardship, the beauty found in fleeting moments, and the importance of reco...

I recently received a print of Briar Cup , which David Jones painted in 1932. Even though this is somewhat of an extended meditation, it is quite simple. I do not pretend to be an expert on the imagery here, but I wanted to offer to you what I see in this dazzling picture. I’ve included the written “poem” meditation (below), in addition to the audio; take your time, and as they say, “sit with” his...

What do you get when you mix a profound rant about cheese by Seth, with a rant about technology and suffering by Jack, with a rant about the dancing plagues by Sam? Well, you get episode 61 of The Color of Dust. Despite the felicitous title, this is a serious episode about death, technology, suffering, and the joy of living. Henri Nouwen wrote: It is the gift of our own life that shines through al...

This episode is dedicated to Thomas’s brother, William “Billy” Dilworth, whom you can read about here in the New York Times . “The main theme of this great poem is metamorphosis,” says Dr. Thomas Dilworth about the poem The Hunt by David Jones. He adds, “The entire poem is an adverbial clause…and yet it’s cosmic warfare.” Dr. Dilworth is the preeminent David Jones scholar, and he joins us today to...

Jack begins this episode by playing his new song “When Death Had Its Heyday (Where O Death Is Your Sting).” Then we talk about music and prayer for a bit, before moving onto a discussion about the sting of death. We consider questions like: Is death natural? How are we to understand the ‘sting’ of death? What is resurrection? How did Jesus view death? What does all this have to do with music? We d...

Over the past few years, Jack has been crafting a special book called The Diary of a Tree Standing on Its Head . It is part of the story of his journey of faith. The book is comprised of drawings, poems, letters, institutes, and recorded visions. Making the book has been an expensive and a time-consuming endeavor, which Jack has embraced as his loving ministry. He has experimented with different b...

“War is a test case for the meaning of life,” observes Dr. Thomas Dilworth, as he introduces this special audio recording of David Jones. In Parenthesis is an epic poem by David Jones published in 1937, containing seven sections. It tells the story of a group of British soldiers as they travel from England to the trenches of the Battle of Somme in WWI. Section three is a night watch. Although Jone...

For Kurt Baumgartner (1949-2025). In this episode, Jack weaves together a beautiful story of the dying of his dad. Listeners will appreciate his vulnerability, insight, and ability to make meaningful connections. Although your family context will no doubt be different than Jack’s, you can still learn to marvel at the ancient technology of death. Our deepest sympathies to the Baumgartner family fro...

Jack regularly tells us “everything belongs,” and we think this applies to pop music, too! After some discussion about poetry and how the church handles (or mishandles) metaphor, we turn our attention to pop icon Taylor Swift. As usual, we have our own unique take on her, which we hope you will find (at least) interesting. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. Here’...

After our series on the artist and poet David Jones, some of you dubbed this summer as “The summer of David Jones!” You’ve downloaded Dr. Thomas Dilworth’s biography, you’ve read his chapter on The Anathemata , and you’ve purchased The Anathemata , perhaps not knowing what you were getting into! Well, today is the official start of summer, and we here at The Color of Dust have another treat for yo...

We talk about fatherhood and the artistic voice through the lens of two poems, one by Seamus Heaney (“Digging”), and the other by Seth Wieck (“Names of Crops”; see below). We compare the two poems and sprinkle in a little of our own stories as we go. We hope this will encourage you to consider the ‘soil’ from which you came and how it might nourish your own authentic artistic voice. Here is Seamus...

“Art is my contribution, small as it is,” Michael Cook said during our conversation with him. Michael is an artist and friend of ours from Derbyshire in England. He is warmhearted, very thoughtful, and tuned-in to the world around him. His art and writing are both sensitive and moving, filled with timeless depth. We shared this special moment with Michael, speaking to us from his studio—where you...

In this episode, we discuss artistic influence, the nature of freedom in art, and creative neglect—all while circling the “mass quantity” otherwise known as David Jones. How do you navigate influence and originality? One essential idea from this episode is returning to the fountain itself for inspiration. We also challenge each other in what Jack calls ‘creative neglect’ — burying your treasure. A...

Conversations like this are pure gold if you can find them. We had the joy of speaking with Dr. Thomas Dilworth about his life and work and friendship with David Jones. We found Tom to be just as kind and warm as people say that Jones was, not to mention just as intellectually inspiring. Dr. Dilworth has a very special gift for you, dear listener! He has made available to us his monumental unabrid...

In this episode, we talk about the impact that David Jones has been having in our lives. We then answer a listener’s question about poetry and form. Along the way, both Sam and Seth share a poem. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. Chapters 02:15 Creative Arts and Spirituality 04:04 Exploring David Jones' Influence 09:59 The Tension Between Art and Personal Life 1...

Jane Scharl is our guest today, as we journey further into the life of David Jones, specifically, his long poem “The Anathemata.” She gives a wonderful overview of this complex poem, so if you are thinking about reading it (or even if you have read it before), this episode is essential . Jane helps us to see that as we travel through the “wasteland,” there is still hope. Our vocation is to gather...

We continue to dig into the life and art of David Jones, exploring how his experiences in World War I influenced his artistic expression. We highlight the significance of an encounter he had on the front lines, the protective relationships in his life, and the reconciliation of chaos and peace in his work. We touch on modernism, the concepts of utility versus gratuity in art, and the transitive/in...

David Jones (1895-1974) was a British soldier, engraver, artist, and poet. T.S. Eliot said of Jones: “Of major importance…One of the most distinguished writers of my generation.” He was also praised by Igor Stravinsky and Seamus Heany. W.H. Auden celebrated “In Parenthesis” as a masterpiece and the greatest book about the First World War. This is our first episode exploring the life and faith of D...

“We’re missing something—maybe it’s the beauty of those feet,” Jack suggests, referring to the grotesque, mangled feet of Christ depicted in the Isenheim Altarpiece. He asks, “What happens if we stay in that brokenness?” This is what we explore in this special “reprise” of episode 6 ( The Isenheim Effect ); this is the second half of that episode, beginning right when Jack started telling stories...

We participate in Good Friday by entering “The Sacrifice” by George Herbert. If you are able, spend some time with this poem and feel its truths. It’s truths are music, beauty, emotion, and faith, coalescing in the present—where we all can meet together at the beautiful, broken feet of Christ, our Deliverer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...

Procession ( Anathema Maranatha ) Route 66/Interstate 40, Groom, Texas, pop. 549 Once or twice each March and April, this mist marches into the roadside town of Groom where stands in steel the nineteen-story monument the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ . On usual clear plain days, the cross looms— a white obelisk with an obelisk beam— against a sky the painters call bice blue . For nearly thirty ye...