Gnarled

gnarled hands ignited,
with the maelstrom of belief.
knotty knees do bend.
unseen, the heavens
opened up, did look beyond
the darkness of earth,
to see a pin drop.
ancient one, in the gnarled woods,
God is drawn to you.
the straw in haystack -
most dwellers go through back doors,
but she’s kneels in church -
with bent frame, eyes shut,
a prayer shawl around shoulders,
cold, yet immersed in light.
with lanterns, she joins
others in trimming their wicks -
firestorm of belief.
a humble leader -
behold, lifetime membership
in peaceful dwelling.
many are the weeds -
celebrate on holidays,
they’re pregnant with bread and wine.
she’s not at the bar -
look for her at the altar
with her rough gnarled hands.
on arthritic knees,
she’s closest to the Savior -
he sees her asking
and He draws closer
to see ev’ry tear that falls
begging “one more soul…”
Christ gives her what she asks for.

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Paige Hind

Date: 10/3/2023 2:42:00 PM

Truly beautiful...

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/3/2023 6:38:00 PM

Thank you, truly!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/1/2023 7:59:00 PM

Poignant portrait of one who's more than paid her dues. Now is the payback. Very nicely penned, Kim.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/2/2023 4:45:00 AM

Thank you, Gershon!

Vijay Pandit

Date: 10/1/2023 5:47:00 AM

You painted her portrait perfectly, Kim. Powerful thoughts and an inspiring ending.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/2/2023 4:46:00 AM

Thank you, Vijay!

Sara Kendrick

Date: 10/1/2023 4:32:00 AM

Good one Kim. Unexpected ending to this example of what we should be praying for each day and that is the salvation of each person now living. I like this contest entry for Constant's contest, and it reads like a good contender to me. I like the faith-based idea and I was going to write one along the same lines, but it hasn't happened. Sometimes the time and inspiration doesn't come exactly as we need it, but it came to you which is great. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/1/2023 5:40:00 AM

I know what you mean about it sometimes doesn’t come… Thank you, Sara!

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/1/2023 2:12:00 AM

I failed to emulate you in this contest. Rightly so, I would never have written a beautiful poem like yours. So full of metaphors and imagery. Best for a win. Hugs dear Kim.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/1/2023 5:41:00 AM

Thank you so much! And I likewise love your stories, immensely! Hugs ~ Kim

Sotto Poet

Date: 9/30/2023 7:46:00 PM

Kim, reading your poem invokes a myriad of captivating and vivid images in my mind, like a mesmerizing tapestry woven with intricate metaphors. The sheer beauty and artistry in the way this piece is written is awe-inspiring

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/1/2023 5:41:00 AM

Thank you so much, Lasaad! I appreciate you so!

Alexis Y.

Date: 9/30/2023 6:48:00 PM

Hi Kim, You took your chosen word and penned such a well-written entry. I could picture her kneeling down to pray. Stellar last line to end your poem with. Best wishes in the contest. Have a wonderful evening;-) Alexis

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 10/1/2023 5:42:00 AM

Thank you so much! Now it is Sunday morning, here, so Happy Day, dear Alexis!