Thursday, January 7, 2016

Where Is the Pavilion?

Last week I wrote a New Year's poem filled with cheer and optimism, but that doesn't mean I'm not aware of the turmoil surrounding us today. In fact, I am all too aware of it…and I sometimes find myself worrying about the future of my children and grandchildren, who (collectively and individually) secure my warm, fuzzy place in this world. With that in mind, my contribution to Warm Heart Wednesday is this poem, reminding me and anyone else who is looking for hope that it can and does exist, always. 

May we teach our children well that this is true.

©2015 Susan Noyes Anderson

Where grows the tree so firm and strong
that no foul wind can bring it down,
the tree so straight and true and tall
no hunter's axe can make it fall?

Which branch, nourished by rain and sun,
still puts forth buds when spring is done
and when the earth runs dry, digs deep
to sip each drop its roots can keep?

What lily blooms beyond the frost,
once ice assails and hope lies lost?
Whose trembling hand will reach to save
such fragile beauty from the grave?

How can a forest loom so still?
The air feels empty, and the trill
of birdsong goes to silent plea,
a ghost inside a memory.

The beauty fades too fast, too fast.
Peace moves in slowly, rushes past.
Where lies the power to brave the squall,
to seek the blossom under all?

I must believe and always will––
the tree, the branch, the bloom, the trill,
and all the beauty of each soul
reside in Christ, who makes us whole.

The power is in His loving hands
to fit us for this world's demands,
sustain us by His selfless grace,
and ease us in His warm embrace.

What is my part? To plant in me
the branch, the bloom, the stalwart tree.

∞§∞

"O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that
covereth thy hiding place?" –D&C 121:1

for more warm hearts, click below

17 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

Another thought-provoking poem that expresses so well the depth of your faith!

The future does look bleak but I suspect it probably always has - threats of wars, invasions, genocide, earthquakes...have always been with us. It seems to me that strong faith ought to relax fears. ;)

Gattina said...

Very touching post !

Grandma Honey said...

That is beautiful Sue! I worry too about my grandchildren and their parents. Then I have to remind myself that they are up for this. Still, I want so much for them all not to have to go through what's ahead. You expressed it so perfectly.

Gail said...

You have outdone yourself! This is beautiful.

Amen.

Jim said...

A very nice poem, Sue. Wonderful that after the tree's build up there was such a tree for thee.
..

~T~ said...

Wonderful! And so true.

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! Powerful piety and marvelous photography ~ Great message!

Wishing you a Happy Week ~ ^_^

Anonymous said...

Know how you feel about the forest, since I live in it:) - Is the yellow flower a snowdrop? Beautiful in any case. And the hands photo (is it a painting, or)?

yaya said...

I feel a hopefulness about this new year. I'm not sure why because I know bad things can and will happen. One of the counselors in our Bishopric bore testimony about this on Sunday. He too felt this would be a good year...even if troubles come calling. Because of his faith and because I also have that faith, that my Savior will stand near by no matter the storm, I'm at peace. Beautiful poem as always!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful poem for troubling times.

Betty said...

That was beautifully written with beautiful photos to match. Thanks!

Judie said...

I posted a comment here yesterday about your poem, but it has disappeared, I guess. I am troubled by that. If you go to my post, you will see why. Yesterday, when I began to write my post, I just couldn't seem to come up with a "warm heart" because all the news was so grim. So I decided to write about a warm-hearted person and directed readers to your post.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

A beautiful poem, Sue, and one we all need to help us find calm in natural disaster and ugly human behavior.

Annesphamily said...

Hi Sue! Good to see you here. I have not made the rounds much lately so Judie sent us to you and I have to say, always my pleasure to come by and wish you a Happy New Year and thanks for the terrific warm heart shares. Take care Hugs, Anne

LeAnn said...

I loved this one Sue; so filled with hope. Our hope is in the Savior. Here is where we find the peace during these stressful times. I too wonder what kind of world will our Grandchildren be raised in. I know it has been said that we will pray for the 2nd coming and I am now. I would love to have my family be part of the millennium.
This poem was just beautiful and I enjoyed pondering upon the thoughts expressed.
Blessings for your gift of writing; hugs~

Leovi said...

Really wonderful poem !!

Esther Joy said...

Beautiful!