Notes About The Poem

The Listening Heart

I had spent recent years in mourning, since I had lost someone very dear;
As when pallid moon is hidden by clouds, and bright stars will not appear.

My job as a professor consumed me, and I was happy for its distractions,
Like a pastel rainbow that's created, from mist and sunshine interactions.

My loved ones tried to cheer me up, with their caring words and gestures,
In those whirlwind days, fraught with bright sunshine, roses and lectures.

While empty smiles were ofttimes present, sadness trailed like moments,
Racing down gilt halls of time, faded past behind, and future in suspense.

My friends kept me busy going places, like days and weeks and seasons,
That depart only for a dramatic reunion, like sun and moon, in sequence.

I lived in the house of tangerine mists, where quiet sorrows were hidden,
Like next to last of the original first, of an eternity that comes unbidden.

Neighbors were nice and friendly, though I had not resided there for long;
But long enough to walk the paths of roses, just to hear the redbird song.

Sultry summer at last arrived, when butterflies broke the stillness of noon,
Like jade, golden days, so often disrupted, by sunsets of pink and maroon.

The garden bloomed noon hues, on days a vivid world was at the window,
When everyone was rushing anywhere, like rich scents beneath moonglow.

One beautiful Sunday, I went to church, though I had not been for awhile;
As one looks to the trusted sources, when searching for a reason to smile.

From the outset, the service moved me, speaking to my particular heart,
As we sang and read loved Bible passages, every one hitting their mark!

It seemed that I had been listening, but the words I had not really heard;
Yet, my hearing improved that Sunday, like scents where breezes stirred.

Death is not the end of the world, only the end of the splendid beginning,
Like a colorful loss at golden autumn, though spring just keeps on winning!

Deep meanings that I'd missed, were soon etched upon my heart forever;
And I would carry them everyplace I went, with me through all endeavors.

My tender heart had whispered to me, the spiritual things my mind forgot,
Like the purling brook that chatters on, although the hills and trees cannot.

Hearts are much wiser than we know, and we should listen to them often,
For the harsh realities which we think we know, the heart tends to soften.

These days, my sunny smiles are genuine, because I trust the God I love;
And I know I'll see my dear one someday, when I am summoned up above!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Bowring Avatar
April 28, 2023 at 1:08 PM
Such a beautiful poem Evelyn and so well written and expressed.I especially loved the last couplet. Thank you for sharing.
Buehler Avatar
April 28, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Thank you for your very nice expressions of appreciation, Christina. Have a great weekend. :)
Mchattie Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 5:19 PM
A lovely poem indeed. Its hard to lose someone... but it's only temporary. Faith is a wonderful thing... what a gift. Stay well my friend.
Buehler Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 10:40 PM
Thank you so much, David. Your kind words mean a lot. Blessings.
Rolland Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 4:55 PM
this is a moving poetry, wonderful acting for peace, and loving, the poem is heartbraking indeed, from the past to the present time, God bless you Evelyn, a great lesson for all, you share
Buehler Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 6:27 PM
Thank you so much for your words of affinity and appreciation, Yann. Many blessings. :)
Proxenos Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 5:07 AM
A tale of sadness but one of sudden realization when you listened to the service in church, you had in fact tied up your ending with a new beginning of what this meant for you, you could now face the world with a more content you. HUGS AND BLESSINGS EVELYN, Jennifer.
Buehler Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 12:11 PM
Thank you for your kind words, Jennifer. A blessed Easter to you and yours. :)
Buhagiar Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 1:29 AM
Superb poem. Great emotions.
Buehler Avatar
April 9, 2023 at 12:09 PM
Thank you so much. Have a blessed Easter. :)
Daniel Avatar
April 8, 2023 at 3:45 AM
Simply astounding truths, Evelyn:)
Buehler Avatar
April 8, 2023 at 9:34 AM
I extend my warmest thanks, Jo. :)
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