Lonesome River

Christian, Christian poetry, nature, photography, poetry 1 Minute

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Lonesome River 

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His old heart hardened

Ice running through his veins

A lost love left him bereft

of feeling joy or pain

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His eyes kept lowered

lest others perchance would see

his emptiness – his loneliness

his longing to be freed

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Pride his ball and chain

Privacy his hat and coat

Barren nights his daily feast

Alone he lived without hope

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Each morning he’d walk

the lonely riverside

 remembering times together

 as he cursed her God inside

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Within his bitterness

  knowing it was wrong

 her final words still ringing

to follow where she’d gone

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His old heart thawed

when spring warmed the ground

 flowers bloomed by her grave

 his lostness finally found.

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Wendy/2014

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I’ve walked this river trail twice now.

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Once was with our oldest son

and this time was with my husband.

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It was quiet,

except for the river,

with virtually no one else around.

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It was peaceful.

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On this trail there is a loneliness

that lingers in the air.

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I can’t imagine wanting to walk it by myself.

Cougars and bears probably drink from this river.

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Whenever fear invades my peace,

I remember that I am not and never will be alone.

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There aren’t many things sadder

 than putting all our hope into a mere mortal.

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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

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I even say this verse over in my head when I am in the dentist chair. (sheepish grin)

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Courageous Blessings ~ Wendy

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Unknown's avatar

Published by Wendy L. Macdonald

Living for Jesus, loving Him, and listening for His voice bring me great joy. I'm an inspirational writer who also loves photographing creation and making handbound journals. ~ My faith is not shallow because I've been rescued from the deep. ~ Blessings ~ Wendy ❀ https://wendylmaccreations.etsy.com

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69 thoughts on “Lonesome River”

  5. 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.

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    1. 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!

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  6. 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!

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  7. 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!

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  13. 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?

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    1. 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! 🙂

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  18. 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

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      1. 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!

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  24. 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

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    1. 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

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      1. 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

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  26. 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! 🙂

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    1. 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. 🙂

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  27. 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

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    1. 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

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      1. 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

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        1. 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. 🙂

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  30. Pingback: Heaven is Near | greenlightlady

I enjoy a word in season, so I'd love it if you added an apple to the bowl.

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