LadyDen’s Poetry Cafe

[[2c...]]

I don’t want to monopolize this thread but I have one more from Edgar Guest that I love. It’s a beautiful sentiment about friendship.

 

 

 

 

 

Friend's Greeting

by

Edgar Guest

 

 

 

I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me;

I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be;

I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day

As you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way.

 

I'd like to do the big things and the splendid things for you,

To brush the gray from out your skies and leave them only blue;

I'd like to say the kindly things that I so oft have heard,

And feel that I could rouse your soul the way that mine you've stirred.

 

I'd like to give you back the joy that you have given me,

Yet that were wishing you a need I hope will never be;

I'd like to make you feel as rich as I, who travel on

Undaunted in the darkest hours with you to lean upon.

 

I'm wishing at this Springtime that I could but repay

A portion of the gladness that you've strewn along my way;

And could I have one wish this year, this only would it be:

I’d like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me

[[La...]]

That was very lovely 2Cats! It is so very important for everyone to have atleast one dependable friend to confide in. This poem should be sent to all the friends of the world.

[[2c...]]

I ran across this poem in an old book of poems.  I really loved it.

 

If I had know what trouble you were bearing;

What griefs were in the silence of your face;

I would have been more gentle, and more caring,

And tried to give you gladness for a space.

I would have brought more warmth into the place,

  If I had known.

 

If I had known what thoughts despairing drew you;

(Why do we never try to understand?)

I would have lent a little friendship to you,

And slipped my hand within your hand,

And made your stay more pleasant in the land,

    If I had know.

 

Mary Carolyn Davies

[[La...]]

Very touching poem 2cats. It reminds me that you never know what someone is going through. That little bit of extra caring may be exactly what they needed.

 

[[La...]]

The Wise Stubborn Goat 🐐

 

There was an old man who had a farm he loved very much

He kept it clean, mowed and in working order with his special touch

He had a large garden he tended daily with his own hands

The healthy plants stretched upwards happy to be on his land

It also was the home of several different animals and his beloved boat

One of those animals became his friend, a stubborn old goat

The farmer as he worked, he’d tell that goat to watch his step

For he had an old well on his land and deep was it’s depth

That old goat was sweet but he was also stubborn as hell

One day he wasn’t paying attention and in that well he fell

He began to cry aloud for help from deep in that hole

The farmer knew immediately the old goat was a poor lost soul

He didn’t have anything that could help get his goat out

For he had search the farm high and low under and about

Crying very hard the farmer knew how this must end

So the least he could do was just bury his goat, his friend

He began to throw large heaps of dirt down into that well

As he thought about how they had fun times ,stories he loved to tell

He kept throwing dirt in wishing there was something he could do

This would take a miracle for his beloved goat to be a rescue

All of a sudden he couldn’t believe what he was seeing

That old stubborn goat was packing the dirt under his feeting

With every pile of dirt the farmer had threw in

Layers were packed so the goat’s climbing out did begin

At last it was high enough for the farmer to happily pull him out

They both hugged each other squealing the loudest shout

 

By Lady Den ~

To my waves and symptoms: I’m shaking you off and packing you under my feet for that’s the way out. 

[[be...]]

The Wise Stubborn Goat 🐐

 

There was an old man who had a farm he loved very much

He kept it clean, mowed and in working order with his special touch

He had a large garden he tended daily with his own hands

The healthy plants stretched upwards happy to be on his land

It also was the home of several different animals and his beloved boat

One of those animals became his friend, a stubborn old goat

The farmer as he worked, he’d tell that goat to watch his step

For he had an old well on his land and deep was it’s depth

That old goat was sweet but he was also stubborn as hell

One day he wasn’t paying attention and in that well he fell

He began to cry aloud for help from deep in that hole

The farmer knew immediately the old goat was a poor lost soul

He didn’t have anything that could help get his goat out

For he had search the farm high and low under and about

Crying very hard the farmer knew how this must end

So the least he could do was just bury his goat, his friend

He began to throw large heaps of dirt down into that well

As he thought about how they had fun times ,stories he loved to tell

He kept throwing dirt in wishing there was something he could do

This would take a miracle for his beloved goat to be a rescue

All of a sudden he couldn’t believe what he was seeing

That old stubborn goat was packing the dirt under his feeting

With every pile of dirt the farmer had threw in

Layers were packed so the goat’s climbing out did begin

At last it was high enough for the farmer to happily pull him out

They both hugged each other squealing the loudest shout

 

By Lady Den ~

To my waves and symptoms: I’m shaking you off and packing you under my feet for that’s the way out. 

[[2c...]]

MAKING A MAN BY NIXON WATERMAN

 

Hurry the baby as fast as you can,

Hurry him, worry him, making him a man.

Off with his baby clothes, get him in pants,

Feed him on brain foods and make him advance.

Hustle him, soon as he’s able to walk,

Into a grammar school; cram him with talk.

Fill his poor head full of figures and facts,

Keep on a-jamming them in till it cracks.

Once boys grew up at a rational rate,

Now we develop a man while you wait,

Rush him through college, compel him to grab

Of every known subject a dip or a dab.

Get him in business and after the cash,

All by the time he can grow a mustache.

Let him forget he was ever a boy,

Make gold his god and its jingle his joy.

Keep him a-hustling and clear out of breath,

Until he wins – nervous prostration and death.

 

I liked this poem because I think fondly about growing up and how it was a slower time than it is now in this world full of technology, which is useful but also makes life so fast paced until I think many times we forget to savor the slow moments of our life and the lives of our families.

 

Nixon Waterman wrote many poems that touch on this theme.

[[La...]]

MAKING A MAN BY NIXON WATERMAN

 

Hurry the baby as fast as you can,

Hurry him, worry him, making him a man.

Off with his baby clothes, get him in pants,

Feed him on brain foods and make him advance.

Hustle him, soon as he’s able to walk,

Into a grammar school; cram him with talk.

Fill his poor head full of figures and facts,

Keep on a-jamming them in till it cracks.

Once boys grew up at a rational rate,

Now we develop a man while you wait,

Rush him through college, compel him to grab

Of every known subject a dip or a dab.

Get him in business and after the cash,

All by the time he can grow a mustache.

Let him forget he was ever a boy,

Make gold his god and its jingle his joy.

Keep him a-hustling and clear out of breath,

Until he wins – nervous prostration and death.

 

I liked this poem because I think fondly about growing up and how it was a slower time than it is now in this world full of technology, which is useful but also makes life so fast paced until I think many times we forget to savor the slow moments of our life and the lives of our families.

 

Nixon Waterman wrote many poems that touch on this theme.

2cats I enjoyed every sentence of this poem. It made me think of how we do grow up so fast! We spend much less time in childhood and young adulthood than we do in full adulthood where there is so much responsibility. That’s how our youth is forgotten. It’s why my favorite Rod Steward song is “ Forever Young”. How many times have we heard people say they wish they could go back to younger days? Life is so fast paced as you said. While in this I’ve found myself using coping tools of my youth that has really help me get through my days…such as: cuddling a teddy bear, coloring, drawing, painting, playing dress up, making doll furniture with my granddaughter, watching old games shows/ sitcoms etc. it makes me so sad to see how families are not close knit loving units as they used to be. We need that even more going through this. Thanks for sharing this poem. Love and hugs 🤗

[[2c...]]

MAKING A MAN BY NIXON WATERMAN

 

Hurry the baby as fast as you can,

Hurry him, worry him, making him a man.

Off with his baby clothes, get him in pants,

Feed him on brain foods and make him advance.

Hustle him, soon as he’s able to walk,

Into a grammar school; cram him with talk.

Fill his poor head full of figures and facts,

Keep on a-jamming them in till it cracks.

Once boys grew up at a rational rate,

Now we develop a man while you wait,

Rush him through college, compel him to grab

Of every known subject a dip or a dab.

Get him in business and after the cash,

All by the time he can grow a mustache.

Let him forget he was ever a boy,

Make gold his god and its jingle his joy.

Keep him a-hustling and clear out of breath,

Until he wins – nervous prostration and death.

 

I liked this poem because I think fondly about growing up and how it was a slower time than it is now in this world full of technology, which is useful but also makes life so fast paced until I think many times we forget to savor the slow moments of our life and the lives of our families.

 

Nixon Waterman wrote many poems that touch on this theme.

2cats I enjoyed every sentence of this poem. It made me think of how we do grow up so fast! We spend much less time in childhood and young adulthood than we do in full adulthood where there is so much responsibility. That’s how our youth is forgotten. It’s why my favorite Rod Steward song is “ Forever Young”. How many times have we heard people say they wish they could go back to younger days? Life is so fast paced as you said. While in this I’ve found myself using coping tools of my youth that has really help me get through my days…such as: cuddling a teddy bear, coloring, drawing, painting, playing dress up, making doll furniture with my granddaughter, watching old games shows/ sitcoms etc. it makes me so sad to see how families are not close knit loving units as they used to be. We need that even more going through this. Thanks for sharing this poem. Love and hugs 🤗

 

I was reading about Nixon Waterman, the author.  He lived from 1859 to 1944.  He came to prominence as an author and lecturer around the turn of the 20th century.  I wonder what he would have made of the pace of our lives today? 

 

And I appreciate those means that comfort you.  I have done some of those same things.  It reminds me of a time when I was taken care of and my worries were small.

[[La...]]

In The Morning

 

As I prepare for bed, tired and beaten down

My mind tossing about the day’s events

How I couldn’t do this and didn’t finish that

I internally tell myself I could have done better

Or could I?

I slip in my bath to soak away the woe is me

Taking in the aromatic lavender filling the room

The calming warmth seems to give me a hug

Why don’t I just stay still and give up?

Then what?

I slip into my pajamas get on my knees to pray

Asking The Master why I had such a terrible day

I beg for relief from my symptoms that plague me

When will this turmoil ever come to an end?

Shall I ask it again?

Shifting in bed I feel the tears well up in my eyes

For I cry for the one I once knew myself to be

For the unbelief that I made it through today

How in the world did I do that in such chaos?

Am I that strong?

As my eyes grow heavier to welcome the break

Tears wet my pillow then I hear HIM sweetly say

I gave you my strength so you can endure this

Can you just hold on for a little while?

Will you persevere?

Sleep overtook me…..

I felt HIS love surround me…..

All the terribles melted away….

I heard HIM whisper……

“It will be alright, in the morning. “

 

By Lady Den

The morning will come when you wake up free of the waves and symptoms this brings. It seems like a dream. Like an unobtainable goal but it isn’t! Wait for your morning….if it’s not this one then maybe it will be next month or the next. It’s coming!

[[2c...]]

Lovely poem, LadyDen.  Encourages us to keep putting one foot in front of the other until that day when we WILL see the healing starting. 

[[be...]]

"Tears wet my pillow then I hear HIM sweetly say

I gave you my strength so you can endure this" you are never far from his loving hands, and you are such a wonderful writer.

💖Peace and Healing.💦

[[Be...]]

LadyDen, I hear your frustration in your poem and I hope you heal soon.

[[La...]]

Thanks dear friends. All we have to do is make it to the morning then repeat.

 

:smitten:

[[mo...]]

Cruel Journey

 

I have no idea where I'm going

no idea where I came from

but it did not seem so cruel as this

 

but still I just go forward

or is it backward

or sideways or do I stand still at the brink of despair (again)

 

When will my search for contentment

finally come to an end

or at least come to a beginning

 

but still I just go forward

 

I took a wrong turn at a crossroad

 

but still I must go forward

with no idea of where I'm going

 

In all my coping and searching

dipping deep into my core

might I come away from this long and painful journey

with just a little more

than what I started with?

 

but still, for now I just go forward

 

 

[[Be...]]

mowgli, that's a nice poem you wrote.

[[2c...]]

Yes, mowgli, very nice. 

[[La...]]

Cruel Journey

 

I have no idea where I'm going

no idea where I came from

but it did not seem so cruel as this

 

but still I just go forward

or is it backward

or sideways or do I stand still at the brink of despair (again)

 

When will my search for contentment

finally come to an end

or at least come to a beginning

 

but still I just go forward

 

I took a wrong turn at a crossroad

 

but still I must go forward

with no idea of where I'm going

 

In all my coping and searching

dipping deep into my core

might I come away from this long and painful journey

with just a little more

than what I started with?

 

but still, for now I just go forward

Mow this is a very nice poem to describe how we don’t know if we’re coming or going. Going forward or backwards or at a standstill. But, that’s how subtile this healing is. The whole time we are healing but we see very little signs of it. It is indeed long and painful. Yes, we must keep going forward regardless of how it looks. Thanks for sharing this. I needed this reminder. Happy healing to you.

[[No...]]

The Shedding

 

On this balcony, something marvelous is unfolding

And, I did not notice until tonight.

 

Mother Nature has started her diet

The great shedding has commenced.

 

Bud by bud, petal by petal, are letting go and moving to the ground

This “Here I am” is morphing into “There I shall go”.

 

The creative out breath of five months ago is turning

The in breath of release has begun.

 

Our Mother is beginning to lay down her abundance

Teaching us that the time to let go has arrived.

 

Teaching us that a time of plenty

Is always followed by the time of storing up.

 

Breathing out is always followed by breathing in

Energy out invites energy in.

 

All returns to the earth, mulch and compost

This weaving of Winter’s blanket.

 

So much to observe, so many songs to hear

This never ending river of change.

 

Until tonight, I did not notice

That the seed of Fall germinates in the last month of Summer.

 

NovaScotia

[[La...]]

The Shedding

 

On this balcony, something marvelous is unfolding

And, I did not notice until tonight.

 

Mother Nature has started her diet

The great shedding has commenced.

 

Bud by bud, petal by petal, are letting go and moving to the ground

This “Here I am” is morphing into “There I shall go”.

 

The creative out breath of five months ago is turning

The in breath of release has begun.

 

Our Mother is beginning to lay down her abundance

Teaching us that the time to let go has arrived.

 

Teaching us that a time of plenty

Is always followed by the time of storing up.

 

Breathing out is always followed by breathing in

Energy out invites energy in.

 

All returns to the earth, mulch and compost

This weaving of Winter’s blanket.

 

So much to observe, so many songs to hear

This never ending river of change.

 

Until tonight, I did not notice

That the seed of Fall germinates in the last month of Summer.

 

NovaScotia

Nova how beautiful is this! Absolutely stunning poem. I loved the part about

“Bud by bud petal by petal are letting go and moving to the ground

This here I am is morphing into there I shall go”

Wow! That’s how I stay grounded keeping in mind that where I am now is not where I’ll end up. How I feel today is not how I’ll feel tomorrow.

Thank you for sharing such a treasure. You’re a great writer! ❤️🌹

[[mo...]]

The Shedding

 

On this balcony, something marvelous is unfolding

And, I did not notice until tonight.

 

Mother Nature has started her diet

The great shedding has commenced.

 

Bud by bud, petal by petal, are letting go and moving to the ground

This “Here I am” is morphing into “There I shall go”.

 

The creative out breath of five months ago is turning

The in breath of release has begun.

 

Our Mother is beginning to lay down her abundance

Teaching us that the time to let go has arrived.

 

Teaching us that a time of plenty

Is always followed by the time of storing up.

 

Breathing out is always followed by breathing in

Energy out invites energy in.

 

All returns to the earth, mulch and compost

This weaving of Winter’s blanket.

 

So much to observe, so many songs to hear

This never ending river of change.

 

Until tonight, I did not notice

That the seed of Fall germinates in the last month of Summer.

 

NovaScotia

 

And Winter carries the buds of Spring

 

Lovely poem NovaScotia

 

[[mo...]]

LadyDen,

 

Here is my poem about meditation:

 

I see you there thoughts

but now you must go

I hear you there cries

but now you must quiet

I feel you there grief

but now you must cease

 

for I am striving to reach

for something higher than thoughts

higher than cries

higher than even grief

 

I see you there

all of you

and I accept you with all the tenderness and attention you deserve

but now you must go

if only

if only

for this this one fragile moment of stillness

 

 

[[Be...]]

mowgli, that's a really beautiful poem.

[[2c...]]

Yes , mowgli, it is beautiful. Beautiful thoughts.

[[La...]]

Mow “ I hear you cries, pain….but you must go”

 

This is lovely. Our symptoms or waves can’t be ignored. We feel them no matter their intensities. I’ve always said to be an observer is much better than participating in the madness of this. Meditation is a very good way of coping. I love that it can be used anywhere at anytime and as often as we like. This poem shows how that stillness is valuable. Thank you for sharing.