All Saints Sunday

Acolytes light the candles
As the pastor reads each name
For newly dead or new baptized,
The candle size the same.

I know some faces watching
Are glistening with tears.
For newly born or just departed,
There's a span of a hundred years.

The youngest saint with a lit candle
Has a life just now begun.
The eldest in the longer line
Died with years one hundred one.

There are lights for lives beginning, 
The innocents just come aboard
And lights for friends and loved ones
We've relinquished to the Lord.

We look fondly at each other,
These loved friends we hold so dear.
We can't know who's name will be there
When the list is read next year.


By:  Joyce Johnson


I am the worst judge of my own poetry so I just took a stab at it.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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Brown Avatar
February 24, 2011 at 9:46 AM
Congratulations Joyce, on your well deserved win for your poem in Debbie Guzzi's contest "Anything Goes". Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
February 15, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Hon, I don't know how I missed this one earlier. Indeed, we mourn those who have passed but never know when our own names will be added to the list. Incredible writing! But I've come to expect that from you. It had a great emotional impact on me. Hope your name stays off that list for at least 50 more years. Congratulations on your win in Deb's contest! Love, Carolyn
Aul Avatar
February 15, 2011 at 7:53 AM
I really liked your poem...Congrats on your win in the contest......Thanks.................George
Neels Avatar
February 15, 2011 at 4:20 AM
I enjoyed reading this one again Joyce.. congratulations on your win.. Love Wilma
George   Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Beautiful writing, dear Joyce. Congrats on your BIG WIN! Lainie
Dietrich Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Joyce, was this for a contest then? I really like how you did it. A nice reflective one for those who have passed.
Onclaud Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 10:21 PM
yes, yes..lovely! BIG CHEERS for the win, joyce..:) huggs, nette
Pettit Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 8:38 PM
If you took a stab at it, then you succeeded. Congratulations on winning in Debbie's contest with this entry.
Sweetheart Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Congrats Joyce on your wonderful win in Debbie's contest with this brilliant beauty my friend .. enjoy on this happy valentine's day..luv..
Mannan Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 7:54 PM
I like this one Joyce. Many congrats
Richards Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 6:03 PM
If you can't see the merit of your own poetry....I do understand.....but if you will take my humble word....it is A+++++ !! congratulations, dear Joyce!
Adeite Avatar
February 11, 2011 at 11:52 PM
wow! thoughtful piece, whoever is gone or born is determined by God. This reminds me of a hymn ' when the roll is called up yonder. Thanks for sharing this with us, please keep painting your poetry pad with the cute colours of creativity. Have a great weekend dearest friend & mom! Miss you! Love always, Adeleke.
Neels Avatar
February 11, 2011 at 10:39 PM
This is a beauty Joyce and such a brilliant way to start my day.. Lovely rhyme it just adds to the flow.. Love Wilma
Oimbo Avatar
February 11, 2011 at 10:25 PM
this is a great write
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