I haven’t always enjoyed writing poetry. I guess I still don’t do it much. These poems below were written for an assignment in a writing class I took a couple of years ago. Even though it takes me forever to write out a finished poem, it is a wonderful journey to allow the Holy Spirit to groan for me and a reminder that this world is not my permanent home. These poems are filled with sorrow but I want you to see that they are also filled with hope. My hope in Christ was very thin and frail for so long, but praise God I am able to keep going and build true hope in Him.

Glorious Weight 

The solid steel is fifty pounds of shame.
Rain from the storm like bullets driving holes.
Unwanted gravity calling my name,
I sink with added rocks through daily strolls.

The scars of days passed sink deep in my skin.
Lay next to new trenches, deep, unyielding.
My gaze, my heart say these vast gashes win
While I glimpse at the sword I am wielding.

To lift the burdens off my arm and back, 
I must surrender to extreme degree.
Here is the load of everything I lack,
Affliction now light and momentary.

The glorious weight of honor is Thine
Light as a feather this branch to the Vine.

I Love You Just the Same

I know you can’t control it
All these big feelings you feel,
Others have filters to soften the blow,
Yours? Undiluted, takes longer to heal.

Lights that flash, eyes that pierce,
And the sirens they hurt so much,
Overstimulation is permanent stress,
Your brain doesn’t understand their touch.

Puzzled by your movie choice,
They wonder, why watch it again?
You put on your mask and choose something else,
Burnout begins to set in.

Lonely, you sit, you just want to be loved,
But you look like you couldn’t care less,
So you put on Tchaik 5 for the 47th time,
Pretend you’re performing in a sparkly blue dress.

I know you can’t control it
The big feelings often turn to shame,
It’s so tough, sweet girl, you’re right,
But I love you just the same.

You Count Every Drop

The levee has broken, I taste the salt
Sea billows roll over the ridge in vain
Welling and spilling, the dark brine is harsh
Striking my face, a constant sting of pain

A storm escaping my eyes, formed in the heart
Endless, loathsome sorrow, a futile fight
I’m alone with these ever-flowing drops
Bitterly waiting, no helper in sight

Wailing and sobbing such offensive noise
Detestable streams I want them to end
Like Hezekiah, David, Hannah, Job
Relief and joy I pray my Lord to send

I want Your solace, I need it right now
But recorded and locked my tears You keep
So I seek comfort from meritless souls
Impatient like me, their despair runs deep

So I turn my eyes to gaze upon You
My sea of tears in a bottle next to Thee
I remember You are acquainted with grief
As I weep, You weep with me

I stand on the shore of my vast ocean
Crying still these joyful tears now they lay
Lord, collect them all, happy or sad, for
You are worthy to wipe them all away.

Heavenly Father, I pray that whoever reads these words may find true hope that is in knowing Your Son and they can pour out their own feelings to you in poetic verse. This life is not easy, You know this. Thank you for reminding us of Your promises and love, and giving us daily bread to keep going, keep seeking, and keep speaking to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.