Tag Archives: hope

Writing 101 Day 17: Fear

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The Things I Fear

I am afraid of many things; indeed I have many fears.

Sometimes I fear what I can’t see or the sounds that I do hear.

I fear loud percussion thunderstorms rippling through the sky;

I also fear zigzag flashes of lightening searing through the night.

I fear snakes, lizards and all sorts of crawling and slithering reptiles

As well as spiders, ants and beetles creeping across the floor tile.

I can expel a harrowing scream if a bat flies in flapping its wings;

they swish like soft blades in the night

and I still hear him even when out of sight.

I also screamed, frightening my mother terribly

when stung by a buzzing, angry bumble bee.

I fear traveling in the winter in the freezing rain, drizzle or snow;

I also fear the screeching, howling wind as the harder it blows.

Sometimes I fear strange scratching noises and thumps in the night

For once in the darkness, a loud scraping branch gave me such a fright.

I fear large animals living and hiding in the woods and the land;

I take care to travel, walk and hike in safety as much as I can.

I fear unexpected accidents as I journey and wander along the way.

For once I was painfully injured when trapped in deep mud one fine day.

The muddy plain had behaved like sinking quicksand holding me fast

And taking all of my strength and might to pull free at long last.

I fear other people and the unkind comments they sometimes make

Trying their best to be hurtful and make sure I feel alone, not wanted, and unsafe.

Or they like to point out all of my flaws in life; for not one comment is enough

But must make certain that I know I am unworthy, and fully inadequate.

For then i may choose to hide myself and my feelings in a little room

where I feel safe from the world in my private and tiny cocoon.

Often I fear tomorrow; not knowing what it may bring.

I fear the mysterious future; being so unclear, so uncertain.

I fear trekking on this obscure and bumpy pathway through this road of life

Where darkness tries to overwhelm me and so I strain to see the light.

But no matter what I fear today in this life in its many uncertainties,

I know Jesus is in my heart and my future with him is hope and eternity.

Writing 101 Day Eight: Death of the Adverbs

 

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Well, in this latest assignment, I was to write something about a public place and eliminate all the adverbs! That is often hard to do but I tried. I don’t believe I succeeded in eliminating all of them but you can let me know what you think. So here is my latest poem for you to enjoy and I hope it puts a smile on your face.

Along the River Trail

The other day, a friend and I together

Determined to stroll along the Minnesota River.

We started by the old town depot

Where the steamboats used to come and go.

But today double rail tracks remain

For the passing freight and cargo trains.

It was a warm and beautiful day

With the water glistening beneath the sun’s rays.

We walked along a narrow paved road

somewhat eroded from the last flood

The grayish flood wall on our right

Kept the city out of sight

While the flowing river remained

Stationed on our left side.

That is until we turned around

To return where we started from.

Below the cement trail galore

Stretched out a long and rocky shore.

The water flowed along in a gentle current

 Propelled by a soft and blowing wind.

As we walked along together

Enjoying the sunshine and warm weather,

A Canadian goose stepped along the stones

But lo, we found he was not alone.

For another meandering goose appeared nearby

And together they slipped into the water’s side.

They glided past us in gentle and quiet company

Until a roaring motorboat disrupted their peaceful journey.

While one fowl sprang and soared south the other flew north

And only one circled around returning to the rocky shore.

He glided into the water swimming near the stones;

Peacefulness had returned but now he was alone.

 My heart twitched and ached at this sight

To see this lone creature taking silent and solitary flight.

We continued to stroll along the Minnesota River Trail

Being met by other walkers with a dog and his wagging tail.

Soon my friend and I returned to where we started from;

It was time to go home and for this journey to be done.

So we left the old brick depot; a century aged place

Where time once was slower and life not such an urban race.

But what a splendid day we had decided to share

Blessed with hope and the fragrance of spring in the air.

Writing 101 Day 1: Unlocking the Mind

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I came home today after a long drive past the woods, over some hills and finally across the prairie. Such a peaceful and quiet of just sitting in the car, driving and driving and looking at the scenery. Not that there is much to see since winter is barely over and spring has begun. Much of the grass is brown yet and the trees are as bare as they can be. Such a time of transition from winter to spring. Watching the last of the snow melting away and eagerly watching for the first hint of the grass turning green. Such hopefulness can be heard and seen in the birds as they flutter around from tree to tree singing and chirping so delightedly. Even when the day is gloomy as the sky is overcast in thick gray clouds, the melodious birds seem to have no worries. I saw robins, chickadees and even some geese as they all have returned in hopes re-establishing their homes. I wish I could be that contend and as cheerful as they seem to be. And not be so worried from one day to the next. Oh that is such a challenge for me! To choose to be content and let all my worries cease. I will keep trying to master that as I continue to watch my feathered neighbors fly and swoop from tree to tree ever so seemingly oblivious to the obstacles and challenges they do not yet see. Therefore, I will try to travel forward as my day transition to evening and then my even to late night. I will try to rest and stay at peace until morning light. Soon my days will transform into a week and my weeks will add up to a month and it will interesting to see, if indeed I have maintained this choice of remaining at peace in spite of whatever lies ahead of me. I will give this a try and we shall see if I really master the simple skill of choosing and remaining at peace in my mind, in my heart, and in the deepest part of my soul with true contentment and sincerity.

Prose Poetry: I went on a Walk Today

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I went on a walk today to enjoy the sunshine’s beautiful rays. Although it is only March it seemed like early May. That was the Lord’s good kindness I have no doubt to bless us with his radiant love. So for heartfelt joy I wanted to shout. As the time did allow, I meandered and walked along the road where the grass was too brown I noted with a furrowed frown. But then I remember this is only early March, I need to be patient in letting Spring have its start. Therefore, now no need to be downcast or feel dismay because as surely as the loving Lord lives, the warmer season of Spring is on the way. And so gracious and generous is our Lord God that he chose to let us have a peak at the warm weather that lies ahead.  Why, not so long ago, I sat shrouded in blankets enduring the wintry cold. Now I push the sleeves up my arms allowing the sun to wrap them with its warming glow. Contentedly I plod along the road not really following where the sidewalk goes.  I do that sometimes, just making up my own path and journeying where no one else has.  My life is sometimes like that too; where others might travel along Route One, I might choose to explore Route Two.  I like to be different and not the same as everyone I see. God has given you and me each a gift of life and individuality. Therefore as we wander through life’s pathways and arrive at a journey altering crossroad, you may choose one way while I select another way to go.  And as surely, I can see the lemon tinted orb shine so radiantly, I know that the Lord is always with me, guiding me with love and ever so tenderly.  For he does deeply know me and understands my shyness, you see. For though I smile and seem so sociably, deep inside something is hindering me. He knows when I hurt too much and cannot take too much more. He lets me hide in his quiet love; he is my strong, protecting shield like the locked and secured front door. So as twilight now descends and this blessed day sweetly ends, it is only God through his Son Jesus who gives me courage to endure and try again. Therefore, tomorrow when dawns a brand new day filled with unknown blessings along life’s way, I will venture along a new winding pathway to discover rekindled hope inside of the Lord’s never ending grace.

Poetry 201 Assignment 10: Future, Sonnet, and Chiasmus

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Finally, I have completed my last assignment in Poetry 201. It has been an interesting and challenging two weeks. My last assignment was to write a sonnet about the future. And in this poem I was to include a chiasmus which pertains to repeating statements forwards and then backwards. Can you find my forward and backward statements?

Looking in Hope for Spring

Oh those prolonged days, ever so cold and blistery,

How long indeed shall they continue to still prevail?

As certainly every night is so utterly freezing and wintry.

I yearn and hope for spring to arrive without fail.

I glance upon my wall calendar to calculate and count

The number of months and weeks of this frigid season;

How many more of these dark days must surely amount

Before the end of snow though lovely it does glisten?

Now to stop and be ever so true and so ever kindly fair,

The loving, faithful Lord has remained always with me.

He’s gently wrapped me in saving grace showing he does care

Whether I am wide awake or sleeping ever so deep, so soundly.

Only God gives lasting hope; hope lasting is given by God only.

Encouragingly, I lift up my head; yea! My head is uplifted encouragingly.

Poetry 201 Assignment 6 Hero(ine), Ballad, and Anaphora/Epistrophe

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Yep, I am still in that poetry class and we are on week 2 now. In this assignment I was to write a ballad (a story that can be set to music) about a hero or a heroine. The hero could be a real life figure or a fictional character. I decided on a fictional character being influenced by Cinderella. Additionally, the ballad needed to have a repeated phrase I the beginning or the ending.  I had a lot of fun writing this rather fairy tale ballad and I hope you enjoy it.

The Ballad of Cindy Cinders Cinderina

Cindy Cinders was a young, freckled heroine

Who tried to be as dainty and pristine

As a floating, dancing ballerina.

 Famed with the surname of Cinderina,

She eagerly enrolled and took a hopeful chance

To learn how to swing, tap, and slow dance.

She tried to waltz, ballet, and a bit of do-si-do

But too often stepped upon her partner’s toes.

Oh dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina;

Yes, dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina.

She then tried to walk so poised, serene and

As proper as a princess or a queen.

But her formal frock was much too long

And she tripped breaking her high-heeled thongs.

Not one to give up her lofty dream too soon so instead

She quietly held up high her swelled and freckled head.

Cindy Cinders dated a young, dashing and heroic prince

Who of her fine, dainty, gracefulness just wasn’t convinced.

Oh dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina;

Yes dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina.

Finally with sadness Cindy Cinders came to understand

That she could never be truly graceful or so grand

It was time she knew to alter her dream

To something she could triumphantly achieve

Deflated, tearful, and stuck in a saddened slump

Cindy Cinders sat and thought upon her favorite stump

“What good and fine thing can I possibly do

And still to myself remain ever faithfully true?”

Oh dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina;

Yes dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina.

Cindy Cinders walked and gazed in quiet serenity

Deep inside the lush forest and along the tranquil sea

She strolled across the meadows and the vast prairieland

Staring at the snowcapped mountains, majestic and grand

Then that night when the glittering stars shone so bright

Cindy Cinders arose in her bed and felt compelled to write

She couldn’t wait till morning light but had to start

Recording all the secret words buried inside her heart

Oh dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina;

Yes dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina.

Then a full week and several rainy days later

The visiting king happened to read her scribbled papers.

He was amazed and astonished to read and see

Cindy Cinders convey such loveliness and beauty

“Oh Cindy Cinders” replied the elated king,

“Your verses are delightful and so charming

Would you consider reciting your enchanting poems

For all the households of my kingdom?”

Oh dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina;

Yes dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina.

Cindy Cinders was startled and pleasantly surprised

As new tears welled and stung her pale blue eyes,

“Yes, Your Highness, I will gladly recite for the kingdom

And perhaps my verses will encourage everyone.”

So Cindy Cinders discovered inside herself a new dream

That she could truthfully and triumphantly achieve

She was crowned the Royal Princess Poet for the kingdom

Where all were enchanted by her wonderfully rhyming poems

Oh dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina;

Yes dear Cindy Cinders Cinderina.

Friday Verse Journal Philippians 4:4-5

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For a February day in Minnesota, today was warm, sunny, and beautiful. I made it a special point to go out and enjoy it. I walked to the nearby recreation center and then backtracked to the post office to pick up my mail. Winter is not over yet but amid the cold, bitter days God will bless us with some warm days that remind me of spring. I even glance around hoping to see green grass growing and lo, I did see a hint of green embedded in the grayish brown grass blades. And when God sends such a sign of hope through the bright warm sun and that tiny hint of new grass, I try to make it  a point to relish those special moments as a way of showing thankfulness to God for all he has done.  Every day and in many special ways, God shows me his love and his gentleness. Today I am rejoicing in that and in the hope that God’s gentle love also reaches others through me in what I say and do.  It is my hope today that you also are touched by God’s gentle love and can rejoice in that.

Philippians 4:4-5 (Holy Bible New International Version): 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I’ll say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Journeying Towards TOMORROW

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Twilight descends darkening the horizon

Over is this day as night time settles in

Mindful in prayer of all God has done

Overwhelmed by his mercy, grace, and love

Reminiscing  of the days and years swiftly passing by

Renewing my heart in hope while dreams fill my mind

Onward I look towards a new dawning day

Walking in the sunshine with Jesus leading the way

Jesus is the GOOD SHEPHERD

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Gentle lamb who took away my sins

Omnipotent; he is mighty and all powerful

Omnipresent; he is everywhere

Daily Provider of all my needs

Sees my triumphs and my tears

Hears my sobs and my quiet laughter

Ever with me and never forsaking me

Prince of peace, joy and love

Holds all things in place, the earth and the universe

Eyes ever watchful for wandering souls to save

Remains forever in my heart, my soul, and my life

Deliverer of hope, restoration, and eternal salvation