Even memories steeped in regret
may become dew like a resin torch flame
that clears the dark
and on the stem of silence fed by that light
a smile damp yet enduring through jagged years scatters
The dry smile of you departing my side
touches my pale lips that only watched
while the loosened smile that must release you
spreads finely into your clouded averted eyes
Through nights unrolled in sleepless sorrow
though longing swells like a storm swollen with rain
if the bond once woven is gently drawn
we may become mandarin ducks
forever held in each other’s embrace
"He will progress toward retrogression..."
Mother's heart defied such prognosis
yet it reverberated, haunting soul
thus, faith cleaved to divine pillar
toward hope fueling functionality
surmounting spastic bouts
conquering seizures
then beholding miracles.
Now, milestones radiate
as special child drives himself
midst freedom bliss
maneuvering wheelchair
likewise taking steps with walker's brace
vanquishing mother's fear
toward triumph of impossibilities
enabled by God*, the divine anchor.
*Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
August 23, 2025
15th place, "Killick" Free verse Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Craig Cornish; judged on 9/5/2025
You stripped the jungles of the world
You blew the hunting horn
You chased the beasts out of the field
You pricked the bloody thorn
You drove the leper from the streets
You martyred men of war
You stood on mountains made of steel
Molten, to the core
With words of want you praised your gods
As children took up arms
You cleaved the tumor from the wound
– The cancer wasn’t gone
You hid the truth within yourself
You never could believe
You were the blight that wrecked the cell
Yourself it was
You sought to cleave –
Blessed are those cleaving* to the Saviour’s mercy
Sincerely bound by His divine intimacy
Clinging to Him, trusting His wondrous miracles
Through His might bringing His assured help’s urgency.
Blessed are those depending always on God’s ways
Worshiping gladly and giving Him grateful praise
Living for Him, delighting in His precious Word
Through the love He grants, secured by His care’s embrace.
Blessed are those witnessing the Lord’s victory
Trusting Him, forgiven from sin-guilt’s misery
Serving Him, joyously proclaiming the Gospel
Through His power to redeem by His grace-glory.
*Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
May 20, 2019
Cleaving to Christ* for close communion
Cared-for am I around His covenant-clout
Clinging ceaselessly to Him, my Creator
Charged as His-called of commitment cost
Chosen charity-caused comforter
Claimant am I of His courage
Cleansed, corrected, chastened…
Contented am I circumspectly
Cheerfully constrained by His compassion
Commanded toward Christian consecration!!!
*1Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
April 3, 2019
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