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Open Poetry #47
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suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana

0 posted 2011-11-01 03:04 PM


Leaning

I am much tougher than I look
I’ve weathered many storms
And though I’ve had some bloodied knees
I won’t take that as norm

I just rise back to shaky feet
And face another fray
Hoping that no one sees the tears
I shed at end of day

I will not be a clinging vine
I’ve no doubt I’ll survive
But I’ve been wanting so much more
Than just being alive

I must admit there are some times
When strength is a stranger
Times when I ache to have someone
Who’ll shield me from danger

Someone who cares and will calm me
When nightmares give me fright
A man who’ll whisper his promise
He’s there, all will be right

And in these moments of longing
I’d go to any length
To sag against a wall of love
Who’s lending me his strength

So will you let me lean on you
Share my woes and my grief
If I feel your arms around me
I know I’ll find relief

Just give me comfort when worries
Seem much too much to face
And be for me a safe harbor
A peaceful resting place

But if there comes a time when strong
Is something you can’t be
Please do not fear, my open arms
Are here...  just lean on me

© Copyright 2011 suthern - All Rights Reserved
Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
1 posted 2011-11-01 03:11 PM


Absolutely beautiful, dear Ruth. Your heart sings a poignant melody of loving kindness and beauty.

I think many arms would love to offer you their warm hugs to make you happy.

Especially on this day, YOUR BIRTHDAY! Just posted my wishes on Announcements for you.

I love this poem, which represents a tender gift to your Poet friends today.

Sending all my love and big hugs.
Margherita

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
2 posted 2011-11-01 03:50 PM


Oh boy. This is one of the absolute best poems I have read. Ever. The verses kept me enthralled and were so . . . wistful and wanting, but the ending was an I'll-keep-things-together-until-you-find-your-strength-rock. Fabulous!

P.S.: Happy , happy birthday. I didn't know until I read Margherita's comments after I'd posted.

~*~  If they give you lined paper, write the other way.  ~*~

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
3 posted 2011-11-01 07:19 PM


Ruth,I hear you and I am reaching out.

((((hugs)))) jo

JL
Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128
Texas, USA
4 posted 2011-11-01 07:26 PM


“Lean on me when you’re not strong, I’ll be your friend I help you carry on…”
Had me singing that song in my heart!
What an adoringly beautiful poem; it makes a lot of songs come to mind.

“Just give me comfort when worries
Seem much too much to face
And be for me a safe harbor
A peaceful resting place”

Love your poem and especially this verse.

Enjoyed.

JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
5 posted 2011-11-01 09:43 PM


Margherita: You are far too kind to me, sweet lady... but I'm relishing every bit of it. *S* Thank you!!

Jerry: WOW... You just gave me such a wonderful word bouquet I'm speechless! Thank you so much!!! *S*

Jo: Hugs are always appreciated... thank you! *S*

JL: And now you have ME singing... and that's enough to make poor Bill Withers plug his ears! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed... thank you! *S*

ice
Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404
Pennsylvania
6 posted 2011-11-02 08:12 AM


LOve it!
God knows every man needs that last stanza.
A lot of emotion, and wisdom in these words.
...a fine mixture to find in a poem.

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
7 posted 2011-11-02 10:59 AM


Often, you guys (meaning women) forget that men, despite all their braggadocio, muscles, and chauvinistic attitudes, are just flesh and blood, soul and heart, just like you girls. They bleed hurt and fear and loss, just like you, but there seems to be some unwritten code that says they can't show it - a code to which I don't subscribe.

And if that makes me a lesser man, than a lesser man I'll always be, because if I hurt,
I'm going to cry; if I'm sad, or mad or having a bad time of month, I'm darn well going to let you know, and in the end, I'm not going to batter someone I love, kill a friend, my boss, or anyone through anger and pent-up frustration -

And I have a wife that understands we both have the same emotions, nerve-endings, and ability to give and take, one that has my loyalty through anything, until "death do us part" because of it.

My Soul-mate, as they say.

That's quite a path you cut, my friend . . .
a wonderful walk you take.

j.


Dinosr
Member
since 2011-10-08
Posts 68
Yavapai, Arizona
8 posted 2011-11-02 11:05 AM


suthern,
..Clear! is what they always say,
just before the shock;
the thoughts you voice are beautiful,
they're solid as a rock.

Happy Birthday.
                Karl

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
9 posted 2011-11-02 01:27 PM


ice: Thank you so much!

jwesley: The women who subscribe to the notion that men should be strong all the time, stay stoic as statues and never show any emotion except adoration at their lady's feet are probably the same ones complaining that men are SO insensitive and just don't understand women's needs. LOL I think you and your wife have it right... and you're "lucky" because you work at it. *S* Thank you!!

Dinosr: Thank you so much for both comments and wishes!

Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
10 posted 2011-11-02 05:14 PM


quote:
I will not be a clinging vine
I’ve no doubt I’ll survive
But I’ve been wanting so much more
Than just being alive


Love that stanza...  I so echo that in my own soul, wanting so much more than to just merely exist from day to day.

Wonderful writing, Ruth.


Michael

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
11 posted 2011-11-02 07:16 PM


Michael: And I want that for you, my friend... even though that's only the tiniest sip from the abundant life you deserve! Thank you so very much!
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