Driftwood

Where have you been my drifting friend?
What have you seen along the way?
Perhaps a storm has sent you here;
your earthly remains to rot away.

A force greater than life itself
ripped you from earth's nurturing breast.
The time had come to send you on.
We must believe our Maker knows best.

I can only wonder at your life's journey.
Your story's lost, your grave unmarked.
You may have traveled many miles
or only recently embarked.

So bide your time and rest your bones
on God's little beach of sand and sun.
Only your nature will change with time
but your spirit lives on when day is done.

Is this now your journey's end,
lying white-washed and ghostly upon this beach;
or will nature's cycle continue onward
and carry you away beyond land's reach?

And what of those you left behind?
Have your seeds grown into strong, young trees?
While you are dead, life continues on;
your essence is cast upon the breeze.

One day, I know, you will return.
Who knows in what form you will be?
When it pleases God, he'll send you back
to be born again on land or sea.


Janece Terry
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

A   Avatar
January 9, 2018 at 11:36 PM
Wow, Janece. I'm impressed on how good and uplifting the ending was. However, i did find the reason for the poem, to be heart felt. Thanks for sharing this poem. Linda
Nau Avatar
September 5, 2017 at 12:38 PM
So love the comparison of us as driftwood here on Earth and the analogy of drifting here and becoming something else! Good questioning, imagery, and ability to capturing a mourning spirit while leaving hope. It's been a rough summer with so many of us losing family and friends. Nice work and I see how much effort went into this!
Fleming Avatar
September 26, 2016 at 6:37 PM
How beautifully your longing is expressed here. I can feel your lonely wondering in this sad but heartfelt piece. Very nice writing!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace