I have benefitted from the labours of poets and poetesses from decades past – and centuries past – and I have no way of expressing my gratitude except to “pay it forward” (as the younger set says) – I have received freely and now I give freely.
In no particular order, I list poems that have helped me at pivotal moments in my life.
Storms and waves on every side But Jesus says, “no need to hide” only in a still, small voice can we hear the whispers of Christ
Oh! clang and noise of war! and our wounds so sore! “where is God?” we cry helplessly but Jesus says, “I'm in the boat, with thee”
“do you believe – wind and sea obey me – or, do you crave – even more faith – ?”
as wise elders say: the greatest thing you can learn is to love and be loved in return
Yesterday the wind came And pushed some trees over Humans – hairless apes, really - Pointed and stared
The next day
I attempt a haiku as a response to each site that I have visited on this tiny island.
Flitting past humans Helmets glow and dance. No sun. Life beneath the waves
Endless screams and shrieks Long arms – furry – swing past trees Orange men with tails
Leaf falls to the ground Blessing the earth that holds it Reciprocity
I can't write poems I can't take a photograph Creative self-doubt
Simple game. Few rules. Fun and laughter in childhood Give me back those days
我走过寒冬 多么灿烂的阳光 季节的流动
dart pierces the sky humans stop breathing, awe-struck migratory birds
The sun shines again After a paper-white moon Lone bird starts his song
Here? Never again! Rain falling on a sick man I must not delay
又無いだ 雨は怖いだ はやく！せんせい！