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Open Poetry #5
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2000-01-15 07:58 AM


Something Rainbow said to me one time inspired this little poem, which was written hurriedly this morning (excuse the quality). But it refers to how my life has changed since being diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. This is devastating to many, but in truth has not been to me. I am much richer for it.

God Gives and Takes

For everything God takes away
It seems He gives back even more
A hundred favors in a day
Of wonders to be thankful for

He took away my lively gait
Perhaps I was too in a rush
He slowed me down so I could hear
The morning song of feathered thrush

So I could witness every bloom
And every bud along the way
Every petal opening
It's velvet wing to light of day

He took away my steady hand
Which wrote in fine calligraphy
But gave a keyboard full of words
To write these lines of poetry

He opened up the skies to me
He gave me friends around the world
For everything He took away
A finer gift was then unfurled

He took away the ability
To walk a distance, run a mile
But then replaced it with a gift
An inner happiness and smile

He takes the words from out my head
And slows me down in simple speech
But fills my soul with endless joy
Which always seemed beyond my reach

He gradually takes my life from me
In little steps, in little parts
But gives it back to me in love
A thousand fold to fill my heart

He's taken all my strength from me
But gave a love to so uplift
That nothing I could ever give
Would compensate this wondrous gift

Elizabeth Santos
Please, no need to respond to this poem. It was only meant as a message to those who may think that any illness or disability is a curse - not so


[This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (edited 01-15-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
HelmutB
Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964
Canada
1 posted 2000-01-15 08:26 AM


Very good for a hurriedly written piece
I wonder what mine would look like if i would. I'm sorry to read about Parkinsons. All the best to you and God bless. I know how you feel and know what you wrote. You've done it so nice. Thank you Elizabeth.

 The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools.


Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
2 posted 2000-01-15 08:37 AM


Sorry! Can't do the 'no response' thing! First, your poem is marvelous! Second, you are so right in what you say... there are so many things we are given in life that we choose to see as a curse...without looking beyond that to find the reason we were afflicted....I believe there is a reason for everything that happens..we have to find that reason. Yours is plain..the love you are receiving and the love you are giving in your poetry.  

Tarzzan
New Member
since 2000-01-14
Posts 7
Deepest, Darkest, Africa
3 posted 2000-01-15 08:49 AM


This is not a response....This is a test of the PIP emergency reponse box....Do not adjust your monitor. If this had been a real response it would have said: "This is an extremely well written thought provoking piece of work."
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
4 posted 2000-01-15 09:09 AM


I am not responding to your responses, wouldn't think of it. Just because I read each one carefully and with appreciation, I wouldn't think of thanking all three of you for your reaction to this poem, nor would I let you know how wonderful it is that someone shares my sense of humor.
Love
Liz

RainbowGirl
Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023
United Kingdom
5 posted 2000-01-15 09:26 AM


Elizabeth:  Sometimes when someone says something, you're never sure if they're listening, not only were you listening but the interpretation is superb and the gift of words couldn't have gone to someone nicer...so what I said is true!..

KUDOS

HUGS



 Don't ask me where I'm going, just listen when I'm gone and far away you'll hear me singing softly to the dawn.


suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
6 posted 2000-01-15 09:38 AM


I wouldn't dream of responding... *S* I'll just sit here and read again a beautiful poem that's not only well written but filled with such wisdom... some brick walls we run into aren't endings but an opportunity to discover a new path. *S*
whiskey
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 1999-12-28
Posts 1278
Australia
7 posted 2000-01-15 10:16 AM


Im not responding just reading , If I were to respond Id say this is a very good poem   love and peace to you  
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
8 posted 2000-01-15 11:47 AM


In non response I think to myself, but accidently typed, I think your words define wisdom. Can't wait to meet you!

 In the dew of little things,
the heart finds its morning
and is refreshed.
(ee cummings)

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
9 posted 2000-01-15 11:58 AM


Oh, Elizabeth, my friend-

I respond to the truth and beauty
of the words penned from a heart
that knows the gifts of her Maker.

Your insight is the light reflected
from your heart.
What a wonderful lady you are.
Love you .... ~Marge~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
10 posted 2000-01-15 12:11 PM


Well, now I must respond.

Rainbow, I always listen to what you say, because it is always something meaningful. Thank you for your words.

Suthern, I couldn't agree with you more
Thanks for the comment

whiskey, thank you for not responding, and I'll drink a toast to your love and peace

Martie, The anticipation is mutual, dear poet. Thank you

Marge, thanks, dear for your response to this poem, I know that you know what I know. Not everybody does, you know.
Love ya,
Liz

Nate Dogg
Senior Member
since 1999-11-15
Posts 1658
Georgia, Fulton
11 posted 2000-01-15 12:21 PM


Liz, I apologize for responding but I had to say that this is a brilliant poem giving the short amount of time you had. Everything you've said about God is true and may God bless you!

 Nathan

Songbird
Member Elite
since 1999-12-15
Posts 2184
Missouri
12 posted 2000-01-15 01:25 PM


This is proof that you can take a lemon and make lemonaid.  So beautifully written.
Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
13 posted 2000-01-15 01:32 PM


That's okay, me and Tarzzan responded to your poem, though it was requested we not....and you didn't give me, um, er, uh, us a personal response to our response that we weren't supposed to give....That's okay, I'll, um, uh, we'll get over it...After all, it was only a test anyhow.....Besides, the "Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away"...right?....(sniff, pout, wiping the tears of neglect right off my cheek)....
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
14 posted 2000-01-15 02:37 PM


Nathan, Look s like we are in step. Glad you liked the poem
Liz

Septsong, And I love lemonade. Thank you
Liz

Toerag, See, I am responding to your response and not to Tarzzan's because he's kind of cute but doesn't match your sense of humor. Actually, I had it all figured out this afternoon. Boy that poet grapevine is swift flowing. Thanks, dear, for the comments
Liz

Pepper
Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079
Southern Florida
15 posted 2000-01-15 02:45 PM


I'm not responding either Liz...but if I were....much wisdom and spirit in this piece...
Beautiful Liz

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
16 posted 2000-01-15 04:45 PM


Well, the heck with you, Elizabeth - I'm responding, like it or NOT!!!

I happen to think the message you give us her is one that everyone who feels they've gotten the short end of the stick should hear... and everybody else too, for that matter!!!!

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
17 posted 2000-01-15 07:12 PM


Pepper
Thanks for your kind comment, oh, and did I hear you say you were getting a computer?
Liz

Nan, Thank you for responding, and I liked your response.
Liz

Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

18 posted 2000-01-15 07:45 PM


Elizabeth, I echo all of the above comments, but especially Nan's. This is a beautiful poem, God Bless You Elizabeth!!

 What comes from the heart goes to the heart.
Samuel Coleridge



Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

19 posted 2000-01-15 07:55 PM


You, are a gift from God, to all of us, Elizabeth!! Beautiful, beautiful poem!  
...ooops...did I just respond?!  

 Denise

And slight is the sting of his trouble
Whose winnings are less than his worth;
For he who is honest is noble,
Whatever his fortunes or birth.~~~Alice Cary, ~Nobility~



Meadowmuse
Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263

20 posted 2000-01-15 08:16 PM


Elizabeth, this is not a response...it's a reaction.  


WoW!! What a message!



Claire

Rus Bowden
Member
since 2000-01-13
Posts 139

21 posted 2000-01-15 10:54 PM


Hi Liz,

This is the first I've written to you in this thread, so it's a sponse, not a response (as it were), attesting to my jaw that has dropped onto the keyboard while I read your poem.  (All the good jokes were taken...  This is a tremendous poem.  You should write hurriedly every morning.)

Rus

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
22 posted 2000-01-15 10:57 PM


Dark Angel, Denise and meadowmuse, to all of you dear poet friends, I am happy to see your reaction because it is true that I am so very fortunate and am privileged to be blessed in so many ways that far outway any challenges placed before me. And besides, I'm having fun!
Love ya,
LIz

Justbleu
Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)
23 posted 2000-01-16 08:52 PM


Wow so very true Liz!!  I am happy that you seem to have found peace!!  I hope to find a peace within myself!!

Take Care
Bridgette

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
24 posted 2000-01-16 09:07 PM


Rus,
  When someone as yourself compliments my poem, It is truly an honor. Your poetry is exquisite.
liz

Bridgette
Thank so much for reading and for your comment
Liz


Paul Hoekman
Member
since 1999-12-28
Posts 382
Harwinton Ct. U>S>A>
25 posted 2000-01-16 09:42 PM


There is nothing I can add that has
not already crossed my mind to say.
I only know you by your poetry
and replies I read you each and every day.
I feel I know you better than some
I've known for years.
because you share so deeply the
secrets of your heart,
I know that you are very strong
so I will shed no tears.
and look forward
to all the wisdom you
continue to impart.

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
26 posted 2000-01-17 07:45 AM


Paul,
Thank you so much for your beautiful response which I am going to share with my children, simply because you said exactly what I've been telling them. I don't want them to shed any tears, and I think I've gotten through since they joke now about my silly fumblings. I only want laughter.
Liz

WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
27 posted 2000-01-18 01:08 AM


WOW! For not responding, we sure didn't get a lot of those now did we?  LOL

Liz, you're an inpiration! Beautiful thoughts of one who can surely count her blessings!  

 <*\\\><
Where there is faith,
there is love.
Where there is love,
there is peace.
Where there is peace,
there is GOD.
Where there is GOD,
there is no need.

Hallmark



hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
28 posted 2000-01-18 01:20 AM


Liz...this is absolutely beautiful!! Not only does it show your talent as a poet, but also your innerstrength and courage that we have all grown to love and admire. Oh, would but everyone have your outlook on life. God bless you my friend  
Echo Rhayne
Senior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 1495
Canyon Country, CA
29 posted 2000-01-18 04:18 AM


Liz, beautiful poem, and I am pleased to see that you are looking on the brighter side of things, instead of seeing it as a curse.  God does take, but gives a whole lot more!  God bless you *hugs*


 ~*~ ^i^ ~*~ Love is such a lonely art, and death is but a taste. Minds are merely instruments that often go to waste! ~*~ ^i^ ~*~



Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
30 posted 2000-01-18 10:08 AM


WhtDove, Thank you also for not responding

Hoot, you have very kind words, which I appreciate very much.

Echo, Thank you for reading and I'm sure you appreciate the poem

I think everything has been said that can be said, especially for not having responded. So now we can move on to other poetry
Write on!
Liz

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