Poems, Personal Stories, and Observations

Archive for the ‘Poems’ Category

The Storm Delayed

The storm predicted was much delayed
Though clouds did threaten, though wind began
Its quiet moaning, tree branches groaning.

We waited, waited – wondering
When heaven’s tensions would bring declension
To weather’s warmth and pleasantness.

When least expected, suddenly
A hurried haste of air and water
Gushed and guttered from the sky.

“It’s like a deluge!” – We take our refuge
‘Neath covered arches, no comfort wanting.

But soon it’s finished, the rain diminished,
The wind decreased, or almost ceased –
The sun appearing.

Now water jewels appear on trees
On branches glinting, our minds imprinting
With dreams of fairy fireflies.

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The Creature Chorus

In dead of night, in silent places,
The deer creep out and take their places
For midnight dancing, their footsteps prancing.

They circle round a leafless tree,
For now it’s winter, though they might be
There other times — in summer, maybe.

Soon rabbits join them, an inner ring,
If you have ears, you hear them sing,
The lilting rabbit Hopping Song.

Next squirrels join in; it’s quite a din
To hear their tch-tch, as they grin
And join the creature chorus.

Don’t leave out mice; you must look twice
To see their little bodies quiver —
A dancing river.

So don’t disturb the animal fiesta —
You thought they would be taking siesta —
But to your wonder, you found their frolic.

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The One Who Is Everything

I know nothing,
I am nothing.

But the One
Who is Everything
Cares for me.

And that means
Everything.

GOD’S LOVE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

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All the World

All the world is filled with grief.

There is no place to find relief —

Except at the foot of Jesus’ cross.

All the world is filled with hatred.

Hardened hearts to sin have catered —

But some souls sacrifice themselves.

All the world is filled with violence,

With killing, thievery, fighting, riots —

Except when people learn to forgive.

All the world is filled with madness,

Insanity twists sense to rashness —

But reason can find a better way.

All the world must turn around

Until a better truth be found —

And hearts and minds are finally sound.

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The Moving Clouds

It doesn’t feel much like heaven now,
Though I get glimpses of it.
Those who nearly die
And have visions of heaven, or hell —
Live transformed by gratitude.

I don’t know why
Some see heaven
And others do not.

Perhaps we have to train
Our hearts and eyes.
Perhaps we need to deliberately
Think
Of seeming coincidences
As real miracles.

We have forgotten our wonder,
Filled with self-importance,
Thinking we are the only creators.
What a heavy burden to bear!

Do you ever stare
At the moving clouds,
And wonder?

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The Geese Fly South

Why do the geese fly south,
Through never-ending seasons,
Only to fly north again?

I cannot comprehend the rhythms of life,
Like making a bed,
Only to have it messed up again.

Perhaps the rhythms, like an endless tide,
Or waves that ebb and flow, go “left” and “right”,
Give glory to God, in every season.

We need a rhyme; we need a reason.

We need the heat, the cold — if I may be so bold.
We need the peace of winter freezing,
The new spring buds our nostrils teasing,
The summer heat, and frenzied days,
That turn to autumn — the harvest phase.

The work, the play, exhaustion, rest,
The climax, quiet, the tears, the jest,
The hardship, ease, the stress, the peace,
Success and failure; they never cease.

Up and down, pride and shame,
Through it all, our God’s the same,
And every breath we ever take,
He watches tirelessly, for our sake.

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The Stealth of Survival

The deer are seldom seen by day on our street.
They stay in the nearby woods
Until all (or most) neighbors
Are safely in bed.
Dim darkness will be their cloak of safety.

Like ghosts, they silently emerge
From the nearby woods,
Grazing on cold lawns and shrubs
And leaving behind
Only their telltale tracks in the snow
To surprise us in the morning.

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Changing Lightbulbs

I’m changing lightbulbs

Instead of cursing the darkness

Instead of cursing the lightbulb company

Instead of cursing someone who might have broken them

I’m changing lightbulbs

And thanking God that I could afford new ones

And thanking God that there will be more light

And thanking God for my husband who helped me

I’m changing lightbulbs

And hoping I can give some to those who don’t have any

And hoping there will be more light than darkness

And hoping that we can work together

I’m changing lightbulbs

Instead of sitting around

Instead of having a frown

Instead of getting down

Let there be light!

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I Long to Dwell

Self-knowledge:

I long to dwell in a gentle place

Where acceptance doesn’t depend on race.

Where sins are forgiven, each person driven

By self-knowledge of their own sin.

Understanding:

I long to dwell where people smile;

They say to me, “Sit down a while.”

They listen quietly, as do I;

And understanding, we say “aye”.

Safety:

I long to dwell where children are safe

No longer victims of hate or rape.

No longer killed inside the womb,

Nor harmed by parents’ angry gloom.

Growth:

I long to dwell with an inner peace,

Having confessed my anger and grief,

No longer concerned what others think —

Nor under their opinions shrink.

Humility:

I long to love as Jesus loves,

To fly like an eagle or a dove,

To have a purpose that fits like a glove,

And remember my gifts have come from above.

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A Piece of Heaven

What a gift to walk today

‘Midst falling leaves, by river’s run.

To hear the birds and crickets sing,

Walk under trees in dappled sun.

I do not know this wild wood-land,

Suburban-bred, not woodsman’s child.

Yet, not so wild as it could be;

The asphalt makes the trail seem mild.

Some leaves that fell, so many pressed

By feet and wheels, a thousand times,

As if the leaves on trail embossed,

Of passing life to be the signs.

And mild, too, the weath’r today;

It draws the people out to play

They walk, they talk, they bike, they run.

A peaceful time; most smile and wave.

In wilder places I have been,

But urban trails, they make me smile.

Oasis in a crowded world,

A piece of heaven for a while.

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