Eileen Manassian Poet Free verse

My Morning Revelation

I just got back from my morning walk
I had forgotten how exhilarating it is
To watch the sun rise
Up over the hills of Beirut.

The campus where I teach is simply breathtaking
Nestled cozily in the pine tree forests on top of a hill,
It offers a panoramic view of Beirut

Many years back this was not a good thing
As the army brought a tank up to the upper campus
To shell enemy positions in Beirut
And our campus got riddled with bombs
We spent our days in shelters
While our campus burst into flame

But this morning, I didn’t remember any of that
I walked on the lower campus and gazed out at Beirut
I walked like a fool....my eyes looking up
Saying a shy good morning to the clouds
And a warm good morning to the One beyond

While I did my sit-ups on one of the benches
I looked up into the jacaranda tree
Its branches were naked, but I knew, I knew that in spring
It would be regal in purple finery
That would enchant all those who walked
Under the train of its beauty
Later it would rain purple petals down on all
But purple kisses for me, for I’m in love with this hue

As a reward, as always… I drove up to the upper campus
While listening to music, my second passion
As my car made the turns
I tried to keep my eyes on the road
And not fixed on the hills where the sun was getting ready
To make his glory known
Nor down on Beirut that was just waking up from slumber

I passed places that my heart cherished
Where my husband first asked me to be his
Where we parked the car and looked at
The dazzling lights of Beirut at night
Our hearts ablaze with the burning passion of youth
The place where he wanted to claim possession of me
But held back…honoring custom and tradition 

I drove down slowly
I drove down reluctantly
I wanted to relive everything
To find the joy of being alive, once more
I had forgotten how beautiful the mornings are
I had forgotten who I am in the great scheme of things
But HE reminded me…
As the sun pushed through the clouds and shone in brilliance
The verse came to my mind…
“And the Son of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.”
Arise in my heart, for I need your healing!

Eileen Manassian Ghali

♡Like0

Share 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

Debbie Duncan August 29, 2013 at 5:43 PM Love it, love it, love it, ,,, it's like I was there with you on this awesome filled journey ;},,, thank you as always for liking my Dawn verse ;} you might like some of my older writes as well ;} hug's back at ya ;}

Donna Jones February 21, 2013 at 12:48 PM I wish I could have been there with you, to witness this but your words took me there... wonderful Eileen Manassian February 21, 2013 at 12:54 PM Thanks, Donna. I would have loved to share some pics, but it isn't possible here. I've written a poem about Beirut and it's history, in case you are interested in reading. We've had shrapnel enter our homes and some near death experiences, but God is good.

Connie Gildersleeve February 21, 2013 at 10:51 AM Wow, breathtaking. Your imagery is exceptional in the words you have written. Through your heart a story, one can only imagine the terror of war here in the US. My heart bleeds for those that have died or have suffered from all these wars Warm Smiles, Connie Eileen Manassian February 21, 2013 at 12:56 PM Yes, Connie...it was particularly difficult because my mother hand MS and often dad had to carry her down the stairs to the bomb shelter. The campus caught on fire, and my dad and brothers along with others had to try to put out the flames. My friend's father died from a shrapnel wound. I can't describe the sound of bomb blasts. Still hate fireworks because of it. Thanks for the post.

Heather Ober February 21, 2013 at 7:35 AM Eileen, THIS is breathtaking. Your talent is so evident here. Your descriptions are absolutely riveting - by the end of the poem, I felt like I'd visited this place. Thank you for giving us this wonderful glimpse into your world. Eileen Manassian February 21, 2013 at 7:37 AM Heather...thanks every so much for this lovely post! :) You are so kind. Yes, Beirut has been ravaged by war...but it still has it's beauty. I've written a poem named Beirut...if you like to know a bit more about the history of this place. Hugs!

Richard Lamoureux February 21, 2013 at 7:19 AM What a beautiful walk, you are such a wonderful writer. I also appreciate your revelation. Eileen Manassian February 21, 2013 at 7:34 AM Words don't do it justice. Wish I could post photos! :( Thanks for the post.

Betty Bolden February 21, 2013 at 5:11 AM i love this one.. Eileen Manassian February 21, 2013 at 7:34 AM Thanks, Betty...It was a wonderful experience.

Demetrios Trifiatis February 21, 2013 at 4:26 AM Dear Eileen, thank you for the walk around Beirut. You have been a most gracious hostess! Dynamic verse with a hue of regret and nostalgia! Eileen Manassian February 21, 2013 at 4:28 AM Glad you enjoyed it! :)

Andrea Dietrich February 20, 2013 at 11:01 PM wow, what a strong and wondrous poem this is. I really enjoyed reliving this experience with you and seeing Beirut in such a beautiful light because I really know so very little about it. I just love this kind of poetry! Eileen Manassian February 20, 2013 at 11:43 PM WOW! Thanks ever so much! Very kind of you! Hugs!