Of Faith

Of faith there is promise, something deep-seated
of conviction that is wholly mine
I'm happy to share but only when if
by generic interest or sign

Someone else, perhaps a friend, a colleague or stranger
asks a questions directly of me
But save for that ask my faith is my own
and is something that only I see

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Easter’s Grace III

This year, last day of Easter - the crown up on the wall
paints a vivid picture which with whimsy I recall
That special time on bended knee humbled and contrite
a simple faith steadfast and true to which I still hold tight
Comfort and a solace true abiding in my heart
held firmly in a life-long hold from which I'll never part

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

[see also ‘Easter’s Grace‘ (April 2021) and ‘Easter’s Grace II (April 2022)]

Stepped on a crack

10 of 12 in the ‘My very best’ series

Stepped on a crack in the pavement of life
And heard something chasing me
Turned and saw the bears of the night
Bricked it, suddenly

Ran so hard I thought I would die
But the bears were still hot on my trail
Panicked, I thought of a way to be free
But thought it would probably fail

Knew it was the only thing left to do
So I leapt for the space in between
And behind me I watched the bears disappear
As I fell to the ground breathlessly

Turned my head to the earth to cry
But a strong hand reached out for mine
Led me away from the cracks in the road
Showed me the narrow line 

Said it was hard to follow sometimes
But promised to always be there
Smiled and said to follow him
Led me away from the bears

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics [‘Shibboleth (aka ‘The Crack) – an installation by Doris Salcedo in Tate Modern’s turbine hall (2007)]

I first penned ‘Stepped on a Crack‘ in 1985 but first posted to Jemverse in August 2014

Easter’s Grace II

Once some several years ago
In hallowed ground near here
I bowed and offered humber prayer
the beach and sea quite near
A little chapel on the shore
at Easter time at home
with crown of thorns up on the wall
for people to atone
And now as then on Saturday
the sun becomes the son
as at Easter his forgiveness
is complete for everyone

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Easter’s grace

Shadow of your crown of thorns

up there on the wall

contrasted in the sunshine

and captivating all

…

Easter in reflection

the people bowed and prayed

silence as the Spirit moved

and precious vows were made

…

And kneeling in the quiet

the sun became the Son

as at Easter his forgiveness

fell there on everyone

…

As a solitary tear fell

with joy and perfect grace

filling every essence of

my being in that place

…

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Heaven for all

Let’s face it, its only
when we get there we’ll know
at the end of the race
who will get there to go

But I’m these days convinced
that there’ll be no exceptions
for that is a failing
of mankind’s perception

For a God who once had
perfection as planned
will I’m sure want to see
a return to that and

Who of us is to say
that in final release
all will return for
a share in that peace?

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Oasis

Sat in St Nicholas’ churchyard
high up on the hill
overlooking Brighton
with all around me still

Sipped a bold, strong coffee
the sunshine breaking through
with history around me
which from my past I knew

There’s change around about of course
new buildings stark and cold
yet Brighton’s essence here remains
quintessentially old

A haven with a tranquil peace
God’s hand is present here
A little bit of heaven
with the bustling city near

©Jemverse

Eight miles

Eight miles took us past the Ring
where the view as ever was
breathtaking in the sunshine
on the South Downs here because
(and I know that some will argue)
but this is heaven here on earth
A place that God has smiled upon
and with riches given worth

And that gift was on this lovely day
not lost on us as we
trod these eight familiar miles
with hearts of joy and glee

©Jemverse

 

Easter smiled

Shadow of a crown of thorns
upon there on the wall
Contrasted in the brightness
sweetest thing I saw

Easter in reflection
The people bowed and prayed
Silence as the Spirit moved
His presence there portrayed

And kneeling in the quiet
the sun became the Son
as Easter with forgiveness
smiled on everyone

©Jemverse

 

Alf the angels’ teaboy

Alf the angels’ teaboy
took pride in what he did
He always warmed the teapot
never once left off the lid
He used just the right amount of milk
in the cup first, such was his ilk
and mopped up every drop he spilt
This was his lot in life

Alf the angels’ teaboy
was happy in his work
Always there with cups of tea
and never one to shirk
But as the angels came and went
on all their glorious missions sent
Sometimes a little tear was spent
About his lot in life

Alf the angels’ teaboy
had a secret bucket list
His single entry never told
but often on it wished
Just one chance to see the light
and share part of the glory bright
that only shines on Christmas night
To complete his lot in life

Alf the angels’ teaboy
arranged some biscuits on a plate
to accompany his famous tea
close to Heaven’s Gate
But on this day something had changed
An important memo was exchanged
and angel rotas re-arranged
to change a lot in life

Alf the angels’ teaboy
felt tears roll down his cheek
Standing there with everyone
and feeling very meek
The angels with the Heavenly Throng
raised voices in triumphant song
and smiled as Alf joined in along
for this, his lot in life

©Jemverse

Written for the Poet’s Corner Christmas poetry challenge 2016