A 30 Percent Chance of Rain

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Minister Joe
Member

since 2003-02-22

Posts 78
TX, USA

0 posted 2003-02-23 01:56 AM

I close my eyes, and I see them.
A cluster of islet cells is sewing a crazy quilt.

My pancreas is not a piece of grandpa’s
denim shirt cut into a star,
fastened to a blanket
by a thimble covered thumb.

My sewing circle gossips in carcinoma,
working to stitch my liver
into their design too.

I am asleep on my side,
as a camera with a knife
searches a viscera of ribbons
for a knot that doesn’t belong.

The camera cuts something soft;
a grandma snaps thread with her teeth.
The scrap is sucked out and magnified,
to determine which way the weave runs.

I was told after the thread count
that in five years,
out of one hundred people;
I might be one of 30 that is still alive.

Last night after my anesthetized nap;
the weekend weatherman promised,

"...a 30 percent chance of rain."

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

1 posted 2003-02-23 02:03 AM

(big hugggsssssss) Oh my gosh, this is such a wonderfully woven tapestry of a debut, sweet friend, when it comes to applause here, there's a 110% percent chance of rain, I LOVE IT!!! Welcome to Passions, sweet Matthew, may you be inspired by all of us here as we will all be inspired by your lovely words! I can't wait to read more of your lovely words, sweet friend, we all love you so much, and be sure to check your E-mail for a very special greeting from all of us here at Passions just for you! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Matthew, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (02-23-2003 02:05 AM).]

Minister Joe
Member

since 2003-02-22

Posts 78
TX, USA

2 posted 2003-02-23 02:08 AM

Oh, thank you so much for the greeting. I had been looking for a more generous place--in compassion, spirit, and soul--to share some of my more personal pieces... and indeed--passions was highly recommended. I see, have seen--that it is the case, and am very happy to be here.

You've put a smile on my face tonight with your gracious words--thank you for that.

A wonderful community this is indeed. So glad to have finally arrived here.

--Matthew

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.

ecrivan
Member Elite

since 2001-12-10

Posts 3923
my own state

3 posted 2003-02-23 02:19 AM

well Hello,

an interesting read of a very serious health issue...and I hope that all will be well, this would be a needed asset to a collection of poems where so few discuss their own illnesses let one as macabre as this..welcome to Passions, where you'll find feedback from others and a wide variety of talent

Minister Joe
Member

since 2003-02-22

Posts 78
TX, USA

4 posted 2003-02-23 02:30 AM

Thank you for the welcome ecrivan. Often times--I do find that in exploring the imagery of a difficult issue such as this--the immediate tension surrounding it passes... and some of that stress is transmuted--and doesn't weigh as heavily on me as it once did. However, as I progress in this journey--I'm finding that hope, even if not grounded--is more abundant... because--if you have nothing, you always have the promise of something.

The essence of hope is such--even in the darkest hour.

I look forward to reading everyone's works here.

--Matt

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

5 posted 2003-02-23 02:49 AM

Matt, you wrote so well of a very serious problem. It was written from your heart, and that's what Passions In Poetry is all about. I hope that you like it here and I look forward to reading more of your work.

And, by the way

Hugs from,
Ethel.....garysgirl

regards2you
Member Elite

since 2002-10-01

Posts 3940
California

6 posted 2003-02-23 03:01 AM

Matt, ~Welcome to Passions~

Quite talented you are, and with your ability to write such good imagery on a difficult subject, I look forward to reading more of your work.

Heart hugs here, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
"Desiderata"

Minister Joe
Member

since 2003-02-22

Posts 78
TX, USA

7 posted 2003-02-23 03:06 AM

Thank you Ethel and Pat. Encouragement and acknowledgement--go hand in hand. Both are appreciated--and will be returned ten-fold to my new found friends here.

--Matt

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

8 posted 2003-02-23 04:39 AM

Welcome Welcome!

My name is Dixie.

Good to have you here with our family of friends!

Please do share yourself, I am looking forward to more of you!

abbe
Member

since 2003-01-20

Posts 131
michigan, usa

9 posted 2003-02-23 07:58 AM

well done...

and with God in the formula the percentages are always increased. i will pray for rain!

[This message has been edited by abbe (02-23-2003 07:59 AM).]

Chanson
Senior Member

since 2000-08-19

Posts 1559
Up Creek w/Out Paddle

10 posted 2003-02-23 08:48 AM

Welcome to Passions, Joe.
You won't find a more
compassionate group of
caring people as here.

I like your poem. It
has very powerful
images. *s

When you think you have heard it all,
listen more closely.
~Dorene

Minister Joe
Member

since 2003-02-22

Posts 78
TX, USA

11 posted 2003-02-23 12:00 PM

Dixie, Abe, and Chanson--

Thank you kindly for your warm welcome and encouraging words regarding my poem. I hope you all have excellent Sundays, and I look forward to reading your work.

--Matt

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

12 posted 2003-02-23 12:01 PM

Welcome to our passionate circle. Hope all will be well, and that we shall see many more postings from you.

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

13 posted 2003-02-23 12:17 PM

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Dear poet Matthew! I am so pleased that you were guided to Passions--and you are a most welcomed addition to our poetic family. What a fine debut you have made! This poem grabbed me and brought me to attention with its powerful imagery and gut-twisting emotion!
Hopefully writing like this will be a form of catharsis for you. You spill, we read!

~ Sending you a rainbow of healing Light...

Warm welcoming hugs,
Earth Angel

[This message has been edited by Earth Angel (02-23-2003 12:18 PM).]

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

14 posted 2003-02-23 12:51 PM

Minister Joe
Enjoyed, you dance the symbols like a puppet.

Poet deVine

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-26

Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley

15 posted 2003-02-23 01:04 PM

Welcome Matt, to our humble home. We hope you enjoy all that we have to offer. One of the best things about this group is that although we are 'tightly knit' we have a tendency to unravel (oh my yes that too) and bring new friends into the fold. I'm glad to see you are meshing with us.

I enjoyed the poem you wrote - weaving hard edged words like pancreas and liver against the memory of quilt making. Well done! I look forward to reading more from you.

Minister Joe
Member

since 2003-02-22

Posts 78
TX, USA

16 posted 2003-02-23 04:27 PM

Midnight sun, Earth Angel, Seymour, and Poet de Vine—

Thank you very much for your generous words regarding my work—and for the fabulous welcome. This place is indeed like a long awaited hug—or the biggest glass of water, after a long walk in the summer sun.

I do like that motto Earth Angel, I spill—you read… that gave me a smile.

Hopefully I can keep up with all the wonderful work here—as well as contribute to the daily smile / appreciation quota.

Thank you all again,

--Matt

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

17 posted 2003-02-24 10:55 AM

Joe, welcome to Passions. I do believe you've found the right place for all that you believe in, and all that you wish to see in the way of poetry, prose, and camaraderie.

I'm sorry I am late in finding your first post, I was away a bit over the weekend.

Welcome!

Karilea
If I whisper, will you listen?...
I would rather be silent and write, than speak loudly and be bound

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

18 posted 2003-02-24 11:19 AM

Matt~
Welcome to the ever-growing circle of Passions' poets~

I have enjoyed reading your posts ... I particularly like this statement -

'I do find that in exploring the imagery of a difficult issue such as this--the immediate tension surrounding it passes... and some of that stress is transmuted--and doesn't weigh as heavily on me as it once did. However, as I progress in this journey--I'm finding that hope, even if not grounded--is more abundant... because--if you have nothing, you always have the promise of something'

Awesome thoughts, sir~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
[email protected]

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-12-27

Posts 8348
Florida

19 posted 2003-02-24 12:03 PM

Very well done. I do so look forward to reading your talent often.

Welcome!

Susan

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

20 posted 2003-02-24 12:20 PM

minister joe...welcome to you. You have worthwhile words to say, in this poem I can tell. I look forward to more!

Justbleu
Member Elite

since 1999-08-31

Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)

21 posted 2003-02-24 04:10 PM

I loved how you wove together words that you wouldn't normally hear together.....

FANTASTIC FIRST POST!!!

WELCOME TO PASSIONS!!!!!!

I'm Bridgette....nice to meet you!!!!

"Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

22 posted 2003-02-25 02:03 AM

Welcome indeed! I went through this with my boss and you are so right - talking about something frightening certainly makes less scary. You have a ton of great listeners in here and you couldn't find a greater group of friends to "mesh" with. Again, welcome and I will look for more of your work.

~* Carpe' Diem *~

bsquirrel

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-01-03

Posts 7855

23 posted 2003-02-26 02:49 PM

Throwing surgery and Magnolia together? Enjoyed.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

24 posted 2003-02-26 03:01 PM

First..a belated Welcome To Passions!
This is truly an amazing way of looking at things...
I appreciate and understand your outlook.
Looking forward to reading more of your work.
~Healing Hugs & Smiles, Nancy~

~ Trace my body with your words..
And in doing so, you touch my heart. ~

Krawdad
Member Elite

since 2001-01-03

Posts 2597

25 posted 2003-02-26 03:57 PM

nice write, sir
looking forward to more
and welcome to the joint!

Bill Charles
Member Patricius

since 2000-07-11

Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now

26 posted 2003-02-26 05:30 PM

Minister Joe - liked your writing, and looking forward to reading more. My vote for this...

BC

Angel
Senior Member

since 1999-07-02

Posts 551
Pennsylvania

27 posted 2003-02-28 10:26 PM

(Hugs)

You know I enjoyed this. I'm so glad to see you posting here.

~Suz

GG
Member Elite

since 2002-12-03

Posts 3532
Lost in thought

28 posted 2003-03-01 07:47 AM

This is excellent, so deep and twistng and you make it flow smooth and sweet. My vote is in for this one.. I can't imagine NOT seeing it in there.
I live in Washington, it rains alot here, I'll pray for more.
Oh and, Welcome to the Blue Pages!

Always, Alyssa

- And so it was that time stood still -
(blink, breathe, stand, fight)

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis

since 1999-11-08

Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

29 posted 2003-03-01 07:53 AM

A refreshing and creative piece, wonderful images and a great theme. You are very talented and so glad you are posting in Passions.
Welcome, dear poet
Liz

Nicole
Senior Member

since 1999-06-23

Posts 1835
Florida

30 posted 2003-03-03 10:17 AM

What an impacting poem - I'm sorry that I missed it at first, but am very glad that I've run across it now. Such a serious topic woven with the imagery of quilting. I liked the way that you tied the two together. Hope to read more from you.

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

31 posted 2003-03-20 12:41 PM

Excellent write... your talent with metaphors has me applauding. *S*

And though I'm a tad late... Welcome! *S*

WhiteRose
Member Elite

since 2002-07-23

Posts 3208
somebody's dungeon

32 posted 2003-03-20 03:46 PM

Wow, this is just splendid. Let me also welcome you to passions. What a lovely debut piece this is. It gets my vote.

Ringo

Member Elite

since 2003-02-20

Posts 3684
Saluting with misty eyes

33 posted 2003-03-20 09:51 PM

Welcome to Passions...
A very enjoyable first post. I look forward to wreading more of your words.

~You might say I'm a Dreamer, but I'm not the only one...
John Lennon

Dark Angel
Member Patricius

since 1999-08-04

Posts 10095

34 posted 2003-03-21 05:53 AM

This is terrific, enjoyed greatly and it's nice to see you here. A belated welcome.

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