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Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion

0 posted 2000-06-01 12:15 PM


A Prayer

Never been very good at prayer,
It conjures up musty memories
Of pristine white dresses, doily hats,
Fingertips pointed toward heaven,
Kneeling for a child’s eternity,
Curl of incense depleting air
As simple sins were counted
On one small hand.

Even then it was just ritual,
Beads dangled, totted up en masse.
Whenever I was in real trouble,
Promises made, a new me,
If just granted this one wish.

The one time I needed answers,
My situation loudly dire,
My mind formed a message,
Make good on past promises.
In my flawed stubborn way
I am changing, drastically.
Still the darkness threatens,
Closing claustrophobically,

While the person I counted on
Struggles for strength.
Again pleading prayers,
This time not for me,
But for the suffering one
Who won’t pray for release.

© 2000 Corinne Bailey



© Copyright 2000 Corinne - All Rights Reserved
Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
1 posted 2000-06-01 12:23 PM


Well, I'm not a religious person though I was brought up that way. Dressing up every sonday in a little suit. I hope your friend finds the strength to help themself in prayer or whatever is possible, and I hope you my friend can be a little relieved.

Parker

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
2 posted 2000-06-01 03:23 PM


You write with such simple truthfull words...I can see the little girl still in you.  
Lone Wolf
Member Ascendant
since 2000-03-16
Posts 5842
Lansing, MI USA
3 posted 2000-06-01 04:00 PM


Corinne,

It is amazing how we all tend to get on the prayer bandwagon when things go wrong in life, but seem to forget when things are going our way.  I hope the one you counted on is granted that release. Hard to stand by and watch those we love suffer needlessly.  My prayers are with you and your loved one.  

Lone Wolf


 Friends are friend forever if the Lord's the Lord of them and a friend will not say never cause the welcome will not end.
--Michael W. Smith

Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
4 posted 2000-06-01 04:34 PM


Parker, Martie and Lone Wolf,

y'all are the reasons I keep coming back here, so much caring in this room!

Thank you very much.

Corinne

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
5 posted 2000-06-01 04:39 PM


Corrine, You have a way,of putting things simply, yet with strength, and I do so admire all of your writing
Liz

brian madden
Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 4374
ireland
6 posted 2000-06-01 04:46 PM


Never been very good at prayer,
It conjures up musty memories
Of pristine white dresses, doily hats,
Fingertips pointed toward heaven,
Kneeling for a child’s eternity,
Curl of incense depleting air
As simple sins were counted
On one small hand.

Even then it was just ritual,
Beads dangled, totted up en masse.
Whenever I was in real trouble,
Promises made, a new me,
If just granted this one wish.

I always saw prayers as been somewhat futile in mass anyway, people just mumbled the words without thinking what they meant and at the end of it thought they were holy just because they stepped inside achurch. I eblieve real prayers are felt, they don't need words, anyway, ranting yet again.

a wonderful poem, powerful. certainly can relate to this.

In my flawed stubborn way
I am changing, drastically.
Still the darkness threatens,
Closing claustrophobically,



 ------------------------
"I've been too honest with myself I should have lied like everybody else"-Richey Edwards

"Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time".

Baltimore Grotto

"Libraries gave us power
Then work came and made us free
What price now for a shallow piece of dignity"
Nicky Wire, A design for Life.

manic street preachers

La Tristesse Durera (Scream to a Sigh)
"Life has been unfaithful And it all promised so so much
I am a relic I am just a petrified cry Wheeled out once a year, a cenotaph souvenir
The applause nails down my silence
La tristesse durera
Scream to a sigh, to a sigh
I see liberals I am just a fashion accessory
People send postcards
And they all hope I'm feeling well I retreat into self-pity, it's so easy Where they patronise my misery
La tristesse durera
Scream to a sigh, to a sigh
I sold my medal
It paid a bill
It sells at market stalls Parades Milan catwalks
The sadness will never go Will never go away
Baby it's here to stay


Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
7 posted 2000-06-01 08:47 PM


Thanks, Liz and Brian (and I enjoy reading all of your work, too, Liz!)!!!

Corinne

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
8 posted 2000-06-01 11:19 PM


Corrine, this one painted pictures very vividly in my mind such as counting sins on one small hand. You did a beautiful job here.
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

9 posted 2000-06-02 01:03 PM


Very well done, Corinne!  

Denise

Alle'cram
Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816
Texas
10 posted 2000-06-03 10:56 PM


Corinne,
  Don't give up nor dispare, for God does hear and answer prayers. I promise, it's His Word. Remember, we of flesh can do nothing but ask HIM, believing. Learn to depend on God for your strength, hon, HE loves you that much. Blessings to you sweetheart. marcy

Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
11 posted 2000-06-04 08:47 PM


Thanks, Balla"deer" and Denise!

Thank you, Marcy, for the kind encouraging words.

Corinne


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
12 posted 2000-06-04 08:55 PM


Corinne~
In your gentle strength and faith-
your friend has prayer working for them.
To pray for ourselves is necessary,
to pray for a friend is compassion.
That is a good thing, my thoughtful friend.
Love ya'
~*Marge*~


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


SpitFire
Member Elite
since 2000-04-19
Posts 2396

13 posted 2000-06-04 09:36 PM


~Corinne,...I have to agree with everyone else,...this is a great poem, a great expression.  I too feel that prayers are felt.  You have a solid heart to be praying for another.  Take care. *Peace.

[This message has been edited by SpitFire (edited 06-04-2000).]

poetFemmeFatale
Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646
Arkansas
14 posted 2000-06-05 11:27 AM


Corinne, I'm with Balladeer here...very tender thoughts and pictures you paint with this.  Sad yet lovely in one unique package.  Loved it.  
Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
15 posted 2000-06-05 11:45 AM


Thank you, Marge, I just hope the prayer is heard, ya know?  

Thankyou, Spit Fire and PoetFemmeFatale, for such sweet, kind words, heartfelt they are.

Corinne

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