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Crystol Woods
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I didn't start writing poetry until 2023. I had written a few songs and I guess that's how I got started. I've always wanted to be a writer... because I enjoy reading so much. I consume at least one book per week. That and studying the Bible are my favorite pass times. I was ordained as a Non-denominational Christian minister in 2020.

I also play the ukulele a little, sing a little, love crafting, sewing, cooking, and any kind of art. I've been in childcare and early education for 30 years and have 2 of my own. My husband, Harvey, and I are blessed with a daughter, Rosie, now 18 years old! And our son, Hunter, who lives in Heaven.

My favorite poem

Blog Posted by Crystol Woods: 6/18/2024 5:41:00 PM

I just wanted to share the poem that ignited my interest in poetry. It comes from a famous and popular book author, Stephen King.

We Did Not Ask For This Room We did not ask for this room, or this music; we were invited in. Therefore, because the dark surrounds us, let us turn our faces toward the light. Let us endure hardship to be grateful for plenty. We have been given pain to be astounded by joy. We have been given life to deny death. We did not ask for this room, or this music. But because we are here, let us dance.

To me this is the answer to the age old question... Why do bad things happen to good people? And... Why are we here? Such weighty questions right?

We did not ask for this room... this life, or this music, the events that occur around us everyday. But we were invited and asked to choose by who ever our higher power may be. Since we are here in this place and time, I believe that means we have a specific destiny. That we choose to be here now to stand against the dark. We choose to turn from darkness into the light. When we endure hardship, it gives us the perspective needed to be grateful for the times of plenty. We are given pain so we can truly understand joy.

This next line says so much...we have been given life to deny death. Personally, this correlates with my Biblical beliefs and is why I find it so powerful. We can deny death! In fact that one of the main reasons for this life. Then the final stanza repeats the first and adds.." but because we are here, let us dance. "

So beautiful and full of truth! Dancing implies joy, freedom, love, humanity, culture... all things that give us reasons to dance! So, yea... that's my favorite poem! I'd love to hear what you think of it! Someone who isn't a Christian and has something from their faith that this poem captures or has grasped a deeper meaning than I did, will have some different wisdom to add. I'd love to hear it!

Xo with Love and in Joyful Dance, Crystol Woods2024


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Date: 6/23/2025 1:49:00 PM
All the best Crystol, may your familiy be Blessed.'
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Date: 6/25/2024 6:26:00 PM
Special Thanks to Chetta Achara, for instructions on using HTML Code etc to format my blog. That was super thoughtful! Xoxo, Crystol
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Date: 6/19/2024 7:41:00 PM
I researched Stephen King's beliefs today. He was raised Methodist, left religion but now has come back to belief in God . I always figured he believes in God because despite the topics of some of his writings, I can read between the lines his beliefs in right vs wrong and that he has a moral code. He has the same wife as years ago and a daughter. I think he is rather brilliant. Like me , he has encountered physical ailments that also have molded his character. Just because he writes about supernatural things doesn't make him evil. He is a great person. Also he admits addictions that a belief in God helped him to overcome.
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Andrea Dietrich
Date: 6/23/2024 4:54:00 PM
Not here for religious debates.
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Tom Woody
Date: 6/23/2024 2:29:00 PM
It reminds me a bit of Alice Cooper. Again, I don't personally know the man but he purports to be a Christian. The literal meaning of the word Christian is Christ-like, or one who imitates Christ. True, none of us can claim to be perfect like he was, we all make mistakes. But ask yourself honestly, could you picture Jesus putting on rock shows depicting evil, sadism and spiritism as part of his public or alternate persona? A true believer understands that faith is proved true by works
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Tom Woody
Date: 6/23/2024 10:34:00 AM
The Devil and his angels are believers too (see James 2:19,20). I don't know this man from a brick but anyone who spends so much time writing about the occult, evil and spiritism isn't someone whose advice or commentaries I'm the least interested in.
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Andrea Dietrich
Date: 6/22/2024 11:06:00 PM
Also God and good vs evil is the main idea of Kings famous Last Stand, which was made into a movie and a TV series.
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Andrea Dietrich
Date: 6/22/2024 11:04:00 PM
Exactly. You got it. Think of all the people who have written about witches, vampires, wizards, supernatural things. S young woman wrote the Twilight novels and is now living the dream that we mere poets could never achieve. Poe wrote very dark stuff and he is renowned for it. The Bible itself is filled with incredible tales of murder and mayhem. Well, you get the picture it is rather amusing King's wife is named Tabitha. Haha
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/22/2024 11:53:00 AM
Yess, I've read the same things you've mentioned here...we are all multifaceted humans with many sides to us. Writing about a thing doesn't necessarily showcase your own beliefs. In writing about the supernatural and human monsters, King is shedding light on our fears and saying, hey your not alone and light overcomes the dark! Thank you for this Andrea! <3
Date: 6/19/2024 1:19:00 PM
Growing up, i was a fan of stephen king! Loved his novels, i was never into reading poetry although i studied poetry in literature and shakespeare inspired my in so many ways to write and express as i think in poetry , it all depends on the reader too how we perceive whats conveyed for me, the line “ But because we are here, let us dance” is a poetic reminder for us to embrace all (life gifted) while we can wholeheartedly, and mindfully, with gratitude. Nice to meet you, cystol, you seem like a deep reader. Sending you light
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/22/2024 11:56:00 AM
So true... as writers we are relating to others but have no control how they preceive that info. So many opinions can result from one line. Thank you for letting us know how you see this poem and I can agree with you! Appreciate the feedback here so much! Xo
Date: 6/19/2024 12:16:00 PM
Hi, Crystol. That is a lovely poem. I can see why it would inspire you. We have a few things in common, you and I. I was a teacher for 33 years (mostly here in Newfoundland, one year in Japan), I own 2 cats and I have family in West Virginia (cousins). Cheers from Canada, Jim.
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/22/2024 11:59:00 AM
Sweet! Teachers are good folks! :) Wow, What an incredible experience to teach in Japan! Would Iove to hear more about that. Hey maybe we're cousins?!? Ha! Tysm for commenting, cousin Jim ! ;)xo
Date: 6/19/2024 9:46:00 AM
Well, if you want the truth I wouldn't trust any so-called wisdom spouting from someone who has spent his life deep into occult and paranormal activity. Nor do I see any reference to God in his poem. Don't take that personally, just my take on it
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/19/2024 9:51:00 AM
Perhaps he didn't intend that but it is what I got from his words. No offense taken, we all have valid opinions! Ty for commenting Tom! Xo
Date: 6/19/2024 8:58:00 AM
Wow Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. I didn't even know his feelings on God. Though his novels are famous, his short stories are often quite profound and I would liken them to short stories of authors such as Ray Bradbury. A wonderful blog to show what influenced your love of poetry. I think the greatest influences for me was in my youth reading classic poems in lit class. My mom gave me a book of love poems by Sara Teasdale, which influenced my love of metaphors and also a book of wisdom, that of Kahil Gibran. I admire his writing, but I can't write in his style!
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/19/2024 9:54:00 AM
I love reading King as well! I don't know if he was writing about God in his poem but that is the message I personally took from it. Thank you for sharing your introduction into poetry! I'll have to look them up! <3 xo
Date: 6/19/2024 5:15:00 AM
Crystol, thank you for posting such a wonderful blog. Funny thing is I just happened to catch an episode of “Highway to Heaven,” which touched my heart and put me in a sentimental mood. It was Christmas themed. I also read your info (so sorry for your loss) which impacts your write even more for me. Wonderful! God bless you and thanks for sharing!
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/19/2024 9:58:00 AM
Oh I used to love watching that show with my family! Always had a touching story. We can find truth and soul food in so many places, if we care to search. Ty for commenting and for your condolences! Xoxo
Date: 6/18/2024 11:43:00 PM
Hi, Crystol. Thank you for sharing with us your favorite poem that ignited your interest in poetry. I like it because of its positivity. It reminds me of the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” understood to have been written by the American writer Elbert Hubbard in 1915. One of my favorite poems is “To Be of Use” by Marge Piercy. That poem has been an inspiration to me since I first read it in the 1970s. I invite you to read it when you can find the time. Here’s the link on PoetrySoup: https://www.poetrysoup.com/famous/poem/to_be_of_use_9132 Thank you for sharing your ‘joyful dance’ with us. Write on!
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Mark Toney
Date: 6/19/2024 10:46:00 AM
Thank you for taking the time to read one of my favorites, and for your gracious response.
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/19/2024 10:35:00 AM
What a wonderful poem about how the everyday tasks of life are vital and admirable. It tells me a lot about who you are a a person I think! I too value strong work ethics! Some days it is a struggle to do those things that are necessary rather than the"fun" stuff lol. Ty again for commenting!! <3
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/19/2024 9:59:00 AM
Oh wonderful! I will read it and try to get back to you here about my thoughts! Ty for taking time to comments and share here! Xoxo
Date: 6/18/2024 7:14:00 PM
Yes, but religion, politics, and race are a fine line in blogs - take care
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Craig Cornish
Date: 6/19/2024 11:06:00 AM
Doesn't offend me at all - but it's poetry soup rules not mine
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/19/2024 10:05:00 AM
I was writing more about the poem and how it inspired me personally, however if this offended you in any way I apologize. I'm not trying to push my beliefs onto anyone else but "God" and faith in whatever form we've found it, is a mighty big subject to try to avoid completely. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Craig! I hope I was able to walk that fine line in a respectful and non offensive way. <3 xoxo
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Tom Woody
Date: 6/19/2024 9:47:00 AM
Don't I know it! Whew

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