Father | pictured words

MY SPIRIT’S SONG (a poem with wrapped refrains)

Image by Colin Behrens, courtesy of Pixabay

I’ve often said it is no toss
‘tween loss of sight or hearing loss.
for music is to me as bread.
It feeds my soul, I’ve often said.

My heart beats to a melody –
a bond abiding breathlessly
as harmonies are coursing through,
in tune with what my heart beats to.

And I believe when angels sing,
our parched earth sips from worship’s spring
to praise a God we can’t conceive.
They catch my ear, and I believe.

It need not be a “worship song”
to lift my eyes and make me long
to sit upon my Father’s knee,
and see my worries need not be.

Should I not hear jazz beat of drum,
or soothing sound from cello’s strum –
Good Father, hearer of my prayer,
please sing to me, should I not hear.

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FINAL ACT OF FATHERHOOD (a sonnet filled with love for my dad)

James F. Fagnano
January 7, 1932 – March 15, 2018

As you declined in health, we traded roles.
You, once a leader, now deferred to me.
Our switched positions jolted and left holes.
An altered beat, but how it had to be.

Your mind became confused, and body, frail.
I know you mourned your slipping stance as dad.
But in the end, your core was what prevailed –
Your father-teacher heart was ironclad.

I wanted terribly to be with you
When your heart halted beat, and breathed its last.
I told you I’d be back in “just a few.”
That short time I was gone, was when you passed.

It wasn’t happenstance. I think in fact,
It was a father’s final loving act.

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ANDREA

12381964

A people-person and poet,
she learned to write
in a language not her own.

Alone, and on a small Danish island,
she yearned to connect.
To greet poetic kin.

In time, she braved the barriers
of language and space,
embraced globe and all therein.

Within her lay a yearning.
A burning desire to know You.
To believe in Your existence.

But the distance seemed too far,
and far-flung stars, more personal
than the God who hung them.

How often did she ask to unmask
the key to faith in a God who hears.
Loves. Draws. Speaks.

Yet I believe. I believe You
who knew her heart from the start
ran to greet her.

“Mit barn! My child!”
I believe she recognized You at once,
whispered tenderly, “Min far. My Father.”

Never again will language be labored,
and never again faith
a far-flung star.

Sadly, our Poetic Asides family lost our Danish friend, Andrea Heiberg. She died of cancer Monday. Andrea never let language get in the way of relationship, clear across the globe. Her presence will be missed by so very many.

Next Stop: Sejer Island.
By Andrea Heiberg

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12381964-next-stop

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January 7, 2017

SONNET FOR MY DAD

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My father earned a living teaching youth.
He shared with them the music of his core.
He showed them how to honor life and truth,
And gave his time to all who graced his door.

My father is a man to emulate –
A man who holds to ethical ideals.
And even now, though years have slowed his gait,
They haven’t marred the crux of what he feels.

My father’s love is deep; allegiance strong.
His charity continues to abound.
He taught me well to judge what’s right and wrong,
To gather stars, while keeping feet aground.

And so it is I pen this gift through tears –
I thank my God for granting us these years.

6 Comments

May 10, 2016

YAWEH ELOHIM

Photo by Keith R. Good

This is the first time I have posted words gleaned from someone else. I created this little site to be a place to pair my own poetry with images from others … but these words from my pastor so richly and deeply touched me, I wanted to share them here. As is often the case, one of my husband Keith’s photos serves as a perfect backdrop.

If you do not know this Yahweh Elohim Pastor Kain speaks of, I would be honored to introduce Him to you. Feel free to leave a comment below, with a way to get in touch with you.

Marie

June 20, 2015

BECAUSE (Happy Father’s Day, Dad.)

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Dad and Mom

Because you love and respect,

I love and respect.

Because you are content with modest means,

I am content with modest means.

Because you cherish simple pleasures,

I cherish simple pleasures.

Because you value my mother,

I married a man who values me.

Because you are loving and just,

I easily see my Heavenly Father as loving and just.

And so, Dad, I love you

just because.

Just yesterday you received a visit from a yesteryear student. He is not the first to take time from his busy life to travel out of his way to spend time with his once-upon-a teacher. In my opinion, your students were blessed to have been born in a time and location that placed them under your musical direction and life tutelage. They learned what hard work, dedication, honesty, and enthusiasm would do for them.

… and if they were blessed, how much more so am I? And how can I adequately express how deep my thankfulness, respect, and love are rooted? I can’t. But I can write a little poem, and put it out here for you to see and return to if ever you doubt that I see you as a gift from my heavenly Father Himself. Always.

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June 20, 2015

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

I was drawn to their son.

The kind blue eyes
That softened, and crinkled in the corners
When they dared make contact with mine.
The broad shoulders,
That beckoned me to lay my head
Against the chest they framed.
The unassuming demeanor
That spoke volumes to me
Of how he was raised.

But my heart had been wounded.
My trust had been broken.
My spirit was guarded.
Until I met them.

And I saw

The kind blue eyes
That softened, and crinkled in the corners
When they made contact with hers.
The kiss placed tenderly on her head.
The hand that gently stroked her cheek.
The whispered prayer that honored her.
The heart that took in
Every word she spoke,
Every breath she drew.

And I knew

Their son,
Who was stealing my heart,
Could be trusted.

Happy Father’s Day to my father-in-law and my husband, You are both dearly loved.

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pictured words

Tag: Father

March 22, 2020

MY SPIRIT’S SONG (a poem with wrapped refrains)

March 21, 2018

FINAL ACT OF FATHERHOOD (a sonnet filled with love for my dad)

April 13, 2017

ANDREA

January 7, 2017

SONNET FOR MY DAD

May 10, 2016

YAWEH ELOHIM

June 20, 2015

BECAUSE (Happy Father’s Day, Dad.)

June 20, 2015

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON