»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #24
»
Not Seeking Favor
| Open Poetry #24 |
|
Not Seeking Favor |
|
|
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648
|
He cleans the church and tends the grounds Not seeking favor, God’s nor man’s It’s just for passing of the day A filling up of emptiness A crowding out of memory. The ‘could-have-beens’ – he makes those rounds Unwillingly; discarded plans Of long ago and far away ‘What-ifs’ destroy all peacefulness Why labor in futility? Too many times strong drink was downed Obliterating strain and bane Of life; he knew he couldn’t stay Love vanquished by the drunkenness “Is payback for stupidity.” He toughs it out, no way around Reality; he understands That many scars remain today Caused by those days of foolishness. Yet we connect through poetry. He reads the words, calls them profound And holds them gently in his hand; “Such treasures, dear, if I may say” Displaying heartfelt tenderness Well hidden from his family. “The depth of feeling you impart… It causes teardrops in my heart.” 12/18/02 Inspired by a sad letter I received the other day from my father-in-law, who will be spending Christmas alone, cleaning at church, as he has done for about the past 20 years, and he'll have it no other way. Perhaps a self-imposed exile for past failings? The only thing that seems to reach him emotionally is my poetry. [This message has been edited by Denise (12-21-2002 08:34 PM).] |
||
| © Copyright 2002 Denise - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
*hugs to you* I see why he likes your poetry. I'm left though with an image of him working, endlessly, with a rythym.. The one he uses to fill his mind and block all else. I'll be praying for him this season, and I'll be thinking and praying for Him Christmas day. And for you also, as you try to reach out to him. Keep writing, and keep faith. Always, GG - And so it was that time stood still - [This message has been edited by GG (12-18-2002 11:39 PM).] |
||
|
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Thank you for the prayers, GG, that is so sweet and kind of you, and deeply appreciated. I have the same impression of him too, that endless doing to avoid the thinking... Thank you for reading and for your kind reply. |
||
|
passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
this is a heart-tugger. I know what it feels like to be working on Christmas alone. I will be too. |
||
garysgirl  
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Denise, you told the story very well through your loving poem. I felt the compassion you have for your Father-in-law through your words. I'm sure that's one reason he loves your poetry so well....he can feel love, compassion, and feelings from your heart, through your poetry. I will be praying for him, you and the rest of your family this holiday season. Thank you for sharing with us.  "Love makes the world go around" |
||
|
Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, sweet friend, this is so heartaching to feel his sentiments as I send angel hugs out to your father-in-law this Christmas as no one should ever be alone on Christmas and may he always know how much you love him as we all love him as we love you! (big hugggsssss) You are a wonderful poet just as he said, sweet friend, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Denise, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
||
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I know your poetry has touched me so many times... what a gift you do give with your words. *S* And you've reached him... when nothing else could... who knows where that bridge might lead? *S* |
||
|
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Thank you for your lovely replies, passing shadows (that's a shame that you have to work on Christmas...Hugs), Ethel, Noah and Suthern. I'm glad you found it touching. Thanks also for your prayers for him. I really appreciate it. Love ya Denise |
||
|
GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
Christmas morning and not forgotten... praying  Always, Alyssa - And so it was that time stood still - |
||
|
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
You and your words are treasures not only to your loved ones, but to everyone here at Passions as well - Merry Christmas, my dear friend...  |
||
|
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Denise--Who can really see inside the heart of another, yet somehow your words have opened a door, and made it easier to both look in and look out. May he find peace in this exhile and also within your words. Merry Christmas, Denise..thank you for the heart that writes this. |
||
|
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Thank you, Alyssa, Nan and Martie, for your sweet words. I hope you all had a lovely and blessed holiday as well! |
||
|
vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Denise~ This touched me deeply and tugged at my heart. It's no wonder that your poetry touches him so, It touches the rest of us as well. I'm glad you are able to connect with him through your beautifully penned words. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Hugs to you, friend, ~Vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
