A lone candle burns
hope in my mind, as red flame’s
smoke fills bright darkness.
Waiting anxiously for word
of breath’s return clear and free.
*****
Painting: Dwight L. Roth
Burning Holes in the Darkness
Hope
Waiting for the Light
Today is Advent Sunday in the Christian faith. It represents the time leading up to the birth of Christ, Emanuel, God with us. The prophet Isaiah spoke of coming out of darkness and into the light. It speaks so much to the feelings of our life this past year.
“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2 NIV (biblegateway.com)
My Nephew’s wife shared the following post this morning on her Face Book page. I thought is was so well written that I wanted to share it with you.
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Advent feels different this year… it’s not just about me preparing my heart for the coming Christ-child.
Most of us have spent a significant amount of time this year sitting in the darkness of our own personal waiting rooms…waiting for healing, waiting for a job, waiting for pregnancy, waiting for reconciliation, waiting for a visit from family, waiting for lab results, waiting for “normal”, etc.
So instead of trying to ignore the darkness, I will wait a little longer, hoping that “the God who showed up in the hardest parts of our humanity is still showing up today…
…We often forget that the encounter with the incarnate Christ happens in unexpected places — our unexpected change of plans, our unaccomplished dreams, and humble new beginnings.” (Scott Erickson)
I’m looking forward to the day “the weary world rejoices” again.
~Lora Myers Roth~
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
A Gathering of the Dead
What do you see as you come to the emergence of Winter?
Lying together
Some see death others see hope
Death waiting for life
***
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
This came to me this morning as I was reading through the collection of Jisei poems from Frank Tassone’s prompt on d’Verse. We are to write a death poem or a Jisei. Jisei poems were of Japanese origins, and were often written in waka (tanka) or haiku, but death poems are not restricted to those forms. What is essential is the expression of both imminent death and the significance of life in the face of it. In this sense, Jisei is the poetry of both memorial and celebration.
Join us at: https://dversepoets.com and click on the Mr. Linkey link to read more interesting Jisei poems.
Choices
It pains my heart to see the way one policeman’s deadly action has reopened the door to division and strife that has been stewing for years in the United States. Peaceful protests are very much in order, but the violence of opportunistic looters and destructive vandalism in no way honors the memory of George Floyd. How can one call for respect when their actions show otherwise. The lack of wisdom and understanding in this situation is very disheartening!
Choices affect everyone;
changing the course of a nation
Choices are the difference between life and death;
altering the lives of everyone around us.
Wise choices lead to life…
“Above all, seek wisdom and understanding…” Proverbs
Painting: Dwight L. Roth
Holy Week
We enter this holy week together
Christians and Jews recall God’s protection
Stories of hope and love for each other
Faith strained in the midst of dark hopelessness
Prayers rise and lift us beyond our distress
As we see the Sun/Son rise hope is renewed
New life is ours on the path now pursued
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Today at d’Verse Frank Hubney asked us to write a seven line Chaucerian poem. It is in iambic pentameter and has a pattern of ABA BB CC. Hopefully this is close to the real thing!
Join us at: https://dversepoets.com
Happiness and Joy
In this time of uncertainty we soon find out who we really are as people. Some go into a tail spin and become fearful of every little thing. Others try in vain to stock up hoards of stuff to satisfy their manic tendencies. Some believe God is in control and all will work out in time for our good. For many, happiness is gone; replaced with anxiety. I am sure we all experience some of these tendencies. How we approach a crisis is much the same as we approach our every day life. Happiness is like the weather; sunny one day and raining the next. Joy goes to the core of our being and sustains us through the bad weather that will come in our lives. Remember what is important in life.
Happiness and Joy
Happiness is a little bird
Perched on the rail
Right within my grasp
Only to fly away
The moment
I reach out to take hold of it.
Joy is the blood
Pumping through my veins
A constant rhythm of rejuvenation
Not something to be possessed
Rather something to be
Joy is what keeps my soul alive
I posted this back in December, but feel it might be helpful to post it again.
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Don’t Worry Be Happy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU
Don’t let the possibilities of tomorrow spoil the good day you have at present!
Live one day at a time // find joy in each day
avoid talk media effervescent
Keep in touch with others
look out for the needs of those around you
Enjoy the sunshine
take a walk
listen to the birds
breathe in the fresh air
Read a good book
turn off the screen and talk to each other
Call a relative
let them know you are concerned for their welfare
Tomorrow may be different
but today is a great day
make the most of it!
YouTube Video from Vevo
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Who’s In Charge?
Through it all the animals roam freely
while humans withdraw in their dread and fear
not venturing out // where birds sing sweetly
Our furry and feathered friends worry not
going about their gatherings with cheer;
living lives daily with nary a thought.
Resigned to their fate, they’ve no ears to hear.
While superior beings listen in fear…
Newscasts shout, “Cornovirus is near!”
What makes us believe we should rule the world?
We read it on pages // good books are clear
we’re invincible // destined // brash and bold…
Perhaps, it’s now time to accept our state;
realizing we are not superior here;
and, like the animals accept our fate.
Live life with purpose making each day count.
Knowing in God we trust through every tear…
we face each tomorrow as tensions mount.
I see people racing to the store to buy up toilet paper, I notice all around me in nature is still the same. The birds sing the squirrels raid my feeder without a thought. We have a lot to learn about our place in this world and nature has many ways to help keep us in perspective.
Reminders of Spring
The warm days over Christmas have given the flower bulbs a jump start. I saw these daffodils pushing through the ground in my flower beds. It was a pleasant reminder that winter will not last long and spring is on the way.
While we celebrated with family and friends
Daffodils remind us the seasons never end
New growth has started generating new flowers
Pushing through the ground with warm sun and showers
Many cold winter days still to come
Plants will shiver as they wait for more sun
So… if January days give you the blues
Remember that spring will be here on queue
iPhone Photos: Dwight L. Roth
Letters From Valley Forge
During the cold winter encampment at Valley Forge, Washington rallied the troops. A big Christmas surprise was about to take place. While the British partied in Trenton, Washington loaded his men in boats and crossed the icy Delaware River in the dead of night for a surprise attack. The victory that took place would continue to be remembered in American History. I can imagine the letters sent home told exciting stories as the New Year came rolling in.
Christmas Victory
Brought troops hope for the New Year
Winter snow still falls
***
Stamp Art: Dwight L. Roth
Frank Tassone asked us to write a Haikai poem related to New Years. As I thought about those freezing cold soldiers camped at Valley Forge, I wondered what they must be thinking as Washington laid out his plan to attack the British in Trenton, NJ. This is my Haibun about that time.
