John Watt Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Joy In the Emptiness

Where once a caterpillar ceased to crawl
  knit into a temporary tomb
  a chrysalis shell now lies, empty, broken
  observed from above
  by the butterfly, now set free

Where once a pine cone lay on the topsoil
  awaiting a crucible of fire
  tested and tried, but not to perish
  releasing its seeds by the wildfire's heat
  a burnt shell now lies, empty, broken
  observed from above
  by the new pine tree, with uplifted branches

Where once a tomb held a broken and torn body
  stricken, smitten, and afflicted
  awaiting the promise from on high
  the disciples gape at the rolled away stone
  "He is not here, He is risen!"
  saints and angels rejoice in God's master plan

There is joy in the emptiness

//certain pinecone varieties only release their seeds from the heat of a forest fire, ensuring the repopulation of trees after a devastating wildfire.//

Written 10 Apr 2022

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Tom Valles July 28, 2023 at 2:25 PM Poignant! Beautiful and so creative. A fave for me.

Ann Peck May 9, 2022 at 4:01 PM Beautiful! John Watt May 9, 2022 at 5:26 PM Thank you for the read and for taking time to bless me with your comment, Ann ~ John

Jennifer Proxenos April 26, 2022 at 12:34 PM John this sent spills of pure delight through me - especially the last verse and in particularly the 2nd last line of the last verse - 'He is not here, he is risen!" well penned my friend. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer. John Watt May 9, 2022 at 5:26 PM Thank you for your generous comment, dear friend. I hope all is well in your world, continents away ~ John

Connie Marcum Wong April 21, 2022 at 1:27 PM The miracle of life through changes and rebirth. I believe there is a master plan too and you convey this so brilliantly in your divine poem my friend. Another Fave for me. Blessings xxoo John Watt April 21, 2022 at 11:32 PM "Miracle" is a great word to sum it up, Connie. In my view, each metamorphosis is a miracle whether common or rare. Thank you for the kind Fave, and your lovely, uplifting comment. Blessings ~ John

Susan Lawrence April 17, 2022 at 7:26 PM A fav for me too ! John Watt April 21, 2022 at 11:27 PM Aww, thanks!

Susan Lawrence April 17, 2022 at 7:24 PM Happy Easter dear friend . Wow so poignant… revealing and timely ! I love the emptiness and how it becomes the master plan of renewed life , growth and rebirth . Your perceptions of life and faith are deep dear John . Thank you for your heart and vision . Hugs, Susan :) John Watt April 21, 2022 at 10:58 PM Dear friend, your words of support always resonate with me for our life themes seem rather aligned; nature, spirit, growth, journey, connectedness. It's a delight to share the trail up the summit. Hugs ~ John

Valsa George April 16, 2022 at 10:36 PM Emptiness is made pregnant with the seed of fruitfulness and plenitude.... ! A wonderful poem ! Leaving the empty tomb behind, our Lord has risen assuring the fullness of life for all those who love Him dearly ! The joy and hope of Easter is beautifully conveyed through this splendid poem ! Dear John, wish you a Happy Easter! John Watt April 21, 2022 at 9:57 PM Valsa, your comment is a feast for the heart... so glad your thoughts were directed towards the goodness of God on this most miraculous of days. Our poetry fellowship is a blessing to my soul. Thank you so very much for the encouraging words, Easter wishes, and mutual joy in the resurrection ~ John

Michelle Faulkner April 14, 2022 at 11:43 PM I didn't realize the direction this was going until the last stanza, but I love all the metaphors of nature, especially the freed butterfly and uplifted branches of the pine tree, and it ties in seamlessly to your message of faith (ps am hoping you have a lovely Easter!) John Watt April 15, 2022 at 10:45 AM I'm glad I can occasionally surprise even a seasoned reader such as yourself... Thank you Michelle for the wonderful comments you provide and the friendship that has kept me inspired to keep writing (and hopefully surprising!)

Gary Radice April 14, 2022 at 3:49 AM I think this is a beautifully crafted poem John. The words "Spirit" and "soaring" came to mind when reading it. Cheers - Gary John Watt April 14, 2022 at 4:14 PM Thank you Gary, you have chosen two very meaningful words to describe this. I am always grateful for our parallel poetic journeys ~ John

Andrea Dietrich April 13, 2022 at 3:45 PM this is how to do a religious poem. Wow, John. Awesome. FAVE John Watt April 14, 2022 at 4:13 PM I am always very touched when you choose to fave a poem of mine, Andrea. Thank you ~ John

Joseph P. DiMino April 12, 2022 at 4:17 AM Perfectly enlightening! Life's journey is indeed, about transformation and resurrection.... Great read! Thank you. John Watt April 12, 2022 at 4:02 PM Joe, sometimes it is good to look back at the sorrows of life and realize they have opened doors to some amazing opportunities as well as strengthened us for the journey. Thanks for dropping by with your uplifting comment ~ John

Gordon Mcconnell April 11, 2022 at 1:29 PM Great resurrection piece John, really inspiring indeed with great imagery too. John Watt April 11, 2022 at 9:43 PM Gordon, it makes me happy that you found these words inspiring. Thank you for your constant support and encouragement, they mean a lot to me ~ John

Jenna Logan April 11, 2022 at 7:26 AM I am in awe of all of your poems, John. This one turns the sadness of emptiness into the hope of new fulfillment. John Watt April 11, 2022 at 9:42 PM Jenna, the feeling is mutual, my friend. I appreciate you seeing the hope I was trying to convey with these words. Thank you and be blessed ~ John

Tom Cunningham April 11, 2022 at 12:36 AM There will be much joy this coming Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of our father. A very happy Easter to you and your family. Tom John Watt April 11, 2022 at 9:41 PM All over the world. A day like Easter unifies across national boundaries, something this world needs more of. Thank you for the well wishes my friend, I wish you a happy Easter as well ~ John

Anselmo Boles April 11, 2022 at 12:25 AM There's a deep metaphysical connotation to this piece, and it awakens the senses. Well thought of John!...ab John Watt April 11, 2022 at 9:40 PM Thank you for taking time today to visit Anselmo, your words are so kind and greatly appreciated.

Laura Leiser April 10, 2022 at 9:27 PM I love how you use the natural elements of this earth to convey the supernatural and spiritual miracle of the empty tomb, John! Wonderful structure, as you build to the ending (as I want to learn to do). Love this one! :) John Watt April 11, 2022 at 9:39 PM How kind you are, and encouragement means all the more from an admired poet and appreciated friend. Thank you, Laura!

L Milton Hankins April 10, 2022 at 8:45 PM John, this is absolutely beautiful. I know Gina will love it. A FAVE John Watt April 11, 2022 at 9:39 PM What a wonderful way to start my day today, Milt. Thank you for the fave and the wonderful poetic support.