Open Poetry #5 |
God Takes and Gives (For Rainbow) |
Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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).] |
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© Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved | |||
HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
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. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
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. |
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Tarzzan New Member
since 2000-01-14
Posts 7Deepest, Darkest, Africa |
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." |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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 |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
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. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
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* |
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whiskey
since 1999-12-28
Posts 1278Australia |
Im not responding just reading , If I were to respond Id say this is a very good poem love and peace to you |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
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) |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
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.*~ [email protected] |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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 |
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Nate Dogg Senior Member
since 1999-11-15
Posts 1658Georgia, Fulton |
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 |
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Songbird Member Elite
since 1999-12-15
Posts 2184Missouri |
This is proof that you can take a lemon and make lemonaid. So beautifully written. |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
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).... |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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 |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
I'm not responding either Liz...but if I were....much wisdom and spirit in this piece... Beautiful Liz |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
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!!!! |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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 |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
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 |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
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~ |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Elizabeth, this is not a response...it's a reaction. WoW!! What a message! Claire |
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Rus Bowden Member
since 2000-01-13
Posts 139 |
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 |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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 |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
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 |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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 |
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Paul Hoekman Member
since 1999-12-28
Posts 382Harwinton Ct. U>S>A> |
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. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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 |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
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 |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
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 |
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Echo Rhayne Senior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 1495Canyon Country, CA |
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^ ~*~ |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
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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