~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lonesome River
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
His old heart hardened
Ice running through his veins
A lost love left him bereft
of feeling joy or pain
~
His eyes kept lowered
lest others perchance would see
his emptiness – his loneliness
his longing to be freed
~
Pride his ball and chain
Privacy his hat and coat
Barren nights his daily feast
Alone he lived without hope
~
Each morning he’d walk
the lonely riverside
remembering times together
as he cursed her God inside
~
Within his bitterness
knowing it was wrong
her final words still ringing
to follow where she’d gone
~
His old heart thawed
when spring warmed the ground
flowers bloomed by her grave
his lostness finally found.
~
Wendy/2014
~
~
I’ve walked this river trail twice now.
~
~
Once was with our oldest son
and this time was with my husband.
~
~
It was quiet,
except for the river,
with virtually no one else around.
~
~
It was peaceful.
~
~
On this trail there is a loneliness
that lingers in the air.
~
~
I can’t imagine wanting to walk it by myself.
Cougars and bears probably drink from this river.
~
~
Whenever fear invades my peace,
I remember that I am not and never will be alone.
~
~
There aren’t many things sadder
than putting all our hope into a mere mortal.
~
~
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the Lord your God goes with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
~
I even say this verse over in my head when I am in the dentist chair. (sheepish grin)
~
Courageous Blessings ~ Wendy
~
This could have been written for someone I know! Very expressive and sets the tone perfectly x
Thank you. I suspect everyone has witnessed a similar situation. Happy endings are my favorite.
A beautiful way to start the new year. Happy New Year, Wendy!!
Thank you, Skye, & blessings for 2014! 🙂
Beautiful as always Wendy. Happy new year to you x
Thanks so much, Sue. A New Years hugs to you.
Spectacular poem, pictures and verse!
Thank you, dear Bill. I love your blog.
The poem is absolutely beautiful,Wendy. It really touches one’s soul, and the images are magnificent. There’s something deeply archetypal about a river.
Thank you, Don. I agree about the river having special significance. In Revelation 22 it speaks of ‘the river of the water of life… flowing from the throne of God.’ I have no idea if this is literal – but I adore the imagery. Blessings for 2014!
Wendy, nothing like embracing the soothing rhythms of your words, and blended with your images, they together provide a piece of heaven, that provides a lasting peace within! Hugs my sister, thanks for the blessing!
Wendell, I appreciate such kind words from such a prolific and poignant poet as you are – thank you for blessing me!
I could feel the warmth from the sun in your last photo–God’s grace warms us up when we are afraid. I’ll call to mind its image the next time I’m “in the dark”. Thanks for a great post, Wendy!
Thank you, Laura. Recalling past experiences of God’s provision always warms up frosty faith. I just need to remember to remember. 😉
Me too!
Always a pleasure to read your writings. Thank You 🙂
Morgan, I always enjoy your poetry too. Thank you for your kindness.
A beautiful post Wendy. Your picture and prose are very peaceful.
Thank you, Tim. Trees and rivers are so calming.
I totally agree.
Happy New Year Wendy! Another great inspirational post! Thanks for sharing!
Love. 🙂
Blessings for 2014, Seyi! Thank you. 🙂
You have to ability to put the heart right there with you… so grateful for you and your gift of encouragement, Wendy… glad you are back!!!!
Heidi, thank you so much. My heart is where I write from; therefore, I must guard it so I don’t walk down the wrong trails.
This reminds me of a hymn “No, Never Alone”. Yes, Wendy, we are never alone because “He will not leave nor forsake us.” Very poignant poem.
Thank you for the reminder of such a comforting verse. Even in God’s encouragement to us that we sing and make up songs of faith for each other, He is so gracious and loving.
Very nice poems and photos! Like your wild, beautiful and not to big river! The river looks like some of my favourite Scandinavian rivers. Perfect for fly fishing. Understand why many Swedish emigrants liked your part of the word. I have heard from friends that in Canada you can find rivers where no people have visited or fished before? True?
Thank you, Leo. I asked my husband about this and he thinks it is probably true in northern areas (excluding of course that our aboriginals may have been there done that). Ian and I lived in an aboriginal community for a couple of years and they know where to find the fish. Kindly, we were told of some awesome places to explore by boat as we lived on a remote island. I caught my first salmon, red snapper, and cod living there. We had close encounters with killer whales, dolphins, and humpback whales. I hope our government doesn’t make any bad decisions that may harm the rich wilderness we have here in British Columbia. Blessings on your 2014 fishing trips! 🙂
Beautiful post! The verse from Deuteronomy is one of my favorites too. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Dee.
Blessings of peace & joy throughout 2014 ~ Wendy
Great post on your blog and beautiful photo’s
Thank you. I look forward to your nature pictures, Marylou.
Stunning photos and poetical imagery Wendy … loneliness captured. Aloneness. The silent beauty of His creation that few witness. Sending blessings xxx
Thanks so much, Liana. I suspect you understand, well, how creation’s beauty draws out poetry from a heart. xo
I do Wendy … the beauty of His creation cries out to be portrayed and shared xxx
The photo images – serene. I love them, Wendy.
All good wishes for 2014,
Eric
P/s I’m following you on Twitter 🙂
Eric, I’m so glad to be friends on Twitter too. Thank you 🙂
This poem is so powerful, Wendy–really grabbed my heart. And truly, there’s nothing like putting your all into someone–well, it’s kind of like leaping into a wishing well…and drowning. God bless you BIG–love, sis Caddo
Caddo, I love how you worded that: ” leaping into a wishing well…and drowning.” Is that a Caddo quote? xo
I’m glad you liked that! I didn’t think about it at all, it just came as I typed–and then I thought, “wow, that sounds like a poem waiting to be born”!! Though I don’t recall hearing it before, I doubt that much I say is truly original–but it certainly is apt!
I love it and think it is very profound. You are gifted.
A great start to the new year, Wendy. Always a pleasure to read your posts. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
Thank you, dear Natalie. It is a joy to visit your lovely posts as I will do right now. 🙂
Absolutely breathtaking . . . your photo’s, your words, your faith. ~ Praying you have a Blessed New Year Wendy ~
Thank you, Deborah. Blessings to you for 2014, dear poet friend & sister in Christ.
Beautiful in words and photo’s , Wendy. The scenery is serene and yet full of passion. Love it. Have a wonderful 2014 xox
Thank you for your lovely words, Francina. Peace and passion are a powerful pair ~ may your 2014 be blessed with both.
I love it when you share your walks with us and your walk with Jesus too! Thank you, Wendy, and God bless!
Debbie, you truly are the angel of the blog world. I believe the angel dust of the one you care for covers you daily. Blessings for your 2014 and forever.
Beautiful as always, Wendy! All the best to you and your loved ones
Thank you, Camilla. I am always blessed by the beauty in your nature photography.
Poets are picked by different prodigious reasons and capacities and talent… you possess such abilities to bring the soul to it’s fullest potential — that’s what I experience when I read and connect your photographs to your writing ~ Wendy, do publish! Faithfully Debbie
Thank you for receiving and blessing my words, Debbie. It is my reading and believing of the Written Word that pulses through my writing veins. It seems that all my poetry roads lead to Heaven; this life appears briefer with each New Year’s Eve that passes. Blessings for your 2014 & beyond. xo
You’re absolutely right Wendy! I wasn’t to supposed to love beyond 14! Here I lay, 53 yrs old, every year has passed me so much quicker, especially when I acknowledge that so many loved ones have left this sphere before me. Heaven is right here– like Emily wrote: Earth is crammed with heaven.” Your soul is drippring out heaven! Faithfully ~Debbie
Debbie, your comment reminds me of a recent blog post of one of my favorite Christian bloggers, Bill. I don’t know if you have ever read his blog. He, like me, is a born-again Christian who follows Jesus; he is an awesome inspiration. He speaks of his own diagnosis of ALS here: http://unshakablehope.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/thankful/
Let me know what you think dear poet friend. xo
Odd, I hadn’t come across his blog until now! Thank you sincerely Wendy! I am certain he’s very inspiring! Thank you dear Wendy. Blessings ~Debbie
Your captures of light on the subjects is just beautiful. Your comment that it is reading and believing of the written word that pulses through your writing veins…that is just beautiful my friend.
Thank you, Laurie, for your sweet words to me.
Beautiful poem. Lovely rhythm and stunning photographs, Wendy. I’ll be sitting in the dental chair next week – eeek! Dr. C is lovely, but I can’t say I love being there! 🙂
Our dentist is gentle; however, I’d rather clean an oven or a fridge than sit in a dentist’s chair. I hope it is quick and painless for you. Thank you for your visit here. 🙂
Wendy, I truly admire how you utilize creative expression to gain healing and strength. I teach art classes for women at my church. In each of my classes, I quote authors to encourage them to continue to develop their creative skills. I would love to quote you! I can also share your blog with the women in my classes. Please share with me how using your creative gifts has brought you closer to God and others.
Love Your Sister in Christ,
Danielle Street
What a lovely class and ministry that must be for you to serve and bless others with, Danielle. I’ve written poetry since childhood; however, it was when I came to know and trust the Lord, in my twenties, that I really dived into writing. Through prayer, personal Bible study, Scripture memorization, and journaling the Lord healed me of eating disorders over 30 yrs ago. My Twitter profile says: ‘My faith is not shallow, because I’ve been rescued from the deep.” I have been rescued, and I have a heart for those who are yet to be.
I would be happy for you to quote me if it will encourage others to pursue God more fervently.
Blessings ~ Wendy xo
Thank you, Wendy! You have a beautiful testimony! I just started following you on Twitter. Your story will definitely encourage women in my classes to develop their creative gifts to bring them closer to the Lord and others. My class is called “Mighty Daughters of the King.” You may view the flyer on my website under “Workshops.” I also have photographs of what some of the women have created in my classes on my site. The women write in journals, discuss women in the Bible, and learn simple art projects to help them remember Biblical Truths. I’m currently working with a Literary Agent on publishing a book based on the topics in my classes. Maybe I can quote you in my book, too!
Hugs,
Danielle
Danielle, it will be a pleasure to come and check out the flyer. I am a firm believer in the art and healing power of journaling (especially when it is focused on a personal relationship with God – as David’s Psalms were…). Blessings on your book planning. I have recently begun to privately write a work of fiction after much appreciated encouragement from my husband. He noticed my story teller heart and kept prodding me to get writing; so I am. 🙂
Beautiful poem, Wendy. So meaningful. Like always the pictures are complementing your words beautifully. Really nicely done!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Arindam! I am coming over to your blog to see what you have been doing. I hope your year has had a wonderful start to it. Blessings for 2014.
Beautiful! And Thanks for the scripture, I’ll use it next week when I go to the dentist.
Thank you for making me smile. 🙂 Blessings on your appointment.