Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

I saw this poem this morning and was inspired!  It is so true, our loved ones are not truly lost!

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

~Mary Elizabeth Frye~

Realization

This past weekend I was at an inspirational conference.  While listening to one of the speakers share the path that life had taken them on, I came to an realization that often my greatest trials have been my greatest blessings, steering me away from what I want, and toward what I need.

Realization

The journey and the pain
are the soul-cost to gain
all that you never sought,
but what God for you bought!

What I could not foresee,
Christ loving gave to me.
Now who can I serve,
give the gift I didn't deserve?

Oh, all that God has planned -
far more than my selfish demand!
Far less than the world cries for,
far less, but so much more!

~David Jamison~

Fly!

I am putting together a manuscript to submit to a contest for the publication of a first book of poetry.  This has naturally put my thoughts on poetry a lot of late, which will hopefully be reflected in more frequent posts here.
While typing up my poems (I handwrite almost all of them first, it seems to help the words flow better), I found this short piece, written for a friend at a crossroads of their life.  I hope it inspires you to follow your dreams, spread your wings, and fly!

You’re questioning your hopes,
and doubting all your dreams –
for nothing is quite sure,
or ever as it seems.

But dreams were made for living,

and joy for being found,
so, amidst your giving,
keep happiness around.

You were not designed
with failure as an end;
begin the dance of faith,
and light will be your friend.
 
You can reach any goal
‘pon which you set your eye;
you were born for greatness,
so follow your dreams – and fly!

~David Jamison~

The Touch of the Master's Hand

This poem has had a great and lasting impact on my life.  Both from my love of violins, and my musings about the idea of self-worth and inherent eternal value, this poem strikes a cord anew with me every time I read it.  I invite you to read it, and open your heart to the inspired message: that your value is far above what you or others believe, and it only takes the "touch of the Master's hand" to bring that value to the surface.

’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But held it up with a smile:

“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,

“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”

“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?

Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

Going for three—” But no,

From the room, far back, a gray-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening the loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet

As a caroling angel sings.

 

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,          

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?”

And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?

Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?

Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,

And going, and gone!” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

“We do not quite understand

What changed its worth.” Swift came the reply:

“The touch of a master’s hand.”

 

And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,

A game—and he travels on.

He’s “going” once, and “going” twice,

He’s “going” and almost “gone.”

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought

By the touch of the Master’s hand.

 

~Myra Brooks Welch~

In Memoriam: 27

A touching and true poetic statement by a wise man:

 

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

 

~Alfred Lord Tennyson~

Small Thanks

In my last post I talked about epigrams and humorous poetry.  Well I do not consider myself to be a funny poet, I have tried my hand at limericks, a sort of tongue-in-cheek stepchild among poetry.  Here is one about my day-job, locksmithing.  If nothing else, it stands to prove that I am not too mature to make a pun.

A locksmith visited a miser sour,
to make the best key in his power.
Instead of paying when done,
the miser pulled a gun!
So the locksmith made a bolt for the door.

~David Jamison~

Epigram: A Reply

I am a fond proponent of good, clean humor, and I also love poetry (or couldn't you tell?), and the two combined is a special treat.  Alas, I have found that I have very little luck in writing such myself, as so for a smile today, I thought I would share the work of a man more talented in that department.
Some of my favorite funny poems are epigrams; they are short, to the point, and often evoke, if not outright laughter, at least a chuckle.  This one is called "A Reply."  Enjoy!

Sir, I admit your general rule
that every poet is a fool;
but you yourself may serve to show it,
that every fool is not a poet.

~Matthew Prior~