Poem of the Month

Every month, I will feature either a new poem or a favorite poem on this page, as well as the highlighted poems from the previous two months. The category page from which each poem is taken is listed in parentheses ( ) under the month.

DECEMBER 2019

(from: Faith)

Eternal Spring

As the tree looks almost dead

in winter months, I know instead,

it holds a secret—yet unseen.

When comes the spring, its life has been

holed up inside and waiting for

the call of God—leaves to restore.

To break the hold of winter’s grasp,

God brings forth life, as springtime laughs.

So too, will I laugh and rejoice!

When I am gone, I’ll raise my voice

to praise My Savior, lift His name—

who for His love for sinners came

to live on earth, to die for us,

to resurrect! In Him I trust.

This dead tree, full of selfishness,

is cleansed and free! I must confess—

He kept His promise of new life! ^1.

Through faith in Him, I’m done with strife.

Just as the Savior rose from death,

I’ll do so—after my last breath. ^2.

Spring’s reminder, Easter morn,

gives hope to all who are reborn. ^3.

Eternal spring—my destined way,

I’ll see no more, a winter day!

1. John 3:16

2. John 11:25

3. John 3:5-7

gratefulsue

3/20/13

NOVEMBER 2019

(from: Doctrines)

Unforgiveness

I keep looking at his sin and thinking,

“How can I

EVER forgive THIS?”

I keep thinking about the audacity,

with outrage.

Betrayal with a kiss. ^1.

Lies and more lies. Deep wounds

inflicted, intentionally.

Multiple injuries—bleeding.

I might have reduced the suffering...

but, now it’s too late

to hear silent pleading.

Sins of selfishness against his peers,

against his loved ones—

who blindly trusted.

But now, I can see. And now,

I know. Now,

I’m just disgusted.

Here in my corner of anger and judgment,

along with sadness,

revenge is a treat.

Gulping unforgiveness quenches

my thirst for payback, ^2.

and tastes sweet.

Yet, I know this drink is poison.

Not life-giving ^3.

(although addicting).

Somehow, I must heed my Savior’s bidding

and take the antidote

He’s mixing.

Open up my will, not just my head.

And learn from Him who saw

great wrong and pain.

He was offended and abused by

so much more than I—

yet, He saw gain...

By loving the offenders,

dying for them,

(and for me).

He also loved the victims—

both captives and captors,

whom He came to free. ^4.

He is my example.^5.How to forgive?

I must love more—

love from my heart. ^6.

I can choose today to have mercy ^7.

toward the offender.

And, that’s a good start.

1. Luke 22:48

2. Romans 12:19

3. Ephesians 4: 26, 31

4. Luke 4:18

5. Luke 23:34

6. Mark 12:30-31, 1 Cor. 13:4-7

7. Matthew 18: 32-33

gratefulsue

12.21.16

OCTOBER 2019

(from: Fellowship with Believers)

A Friend

I used to think a friend

Was one who knew my every woe—

Who told me all her secrets—

And, my thoughts would often know.

But now I’ve come to learn that

I must often bite my tongue.

Nor are secrets to be shared

The way I did when I was young.

All I need is give and take,

Someone who calls me, and I, you.

One who loves the Lord and listens,

Spurs me on toward God—as you do.

gratefulsue

3/31/00

(For Terry)