Thursday, January 27, 2011

Poems and Prayers and Promises


I've been writing poems and saying prayers and making promises since I was a little girl, and while I've never "passed the pipe around" (that early lyric was changed for later versions), whenever I hear this song I am reminded of happy days and good memories. It was popular in 1971, a year before my college graduation and marriage. Listening to it still brings back those peaceful feelings of hope and beauty experienced by a young woman with a whole lifetime waiting to unfold.

Now, having lived a fairly healthy portion of that lifetime, I am grateful for music that allows me to recapture those feelings of my youth when I need them. And I'm saddened that John Denver only lived to the age of 53, despite the fact that it "turned [him] on to think of growing old." Life isn't always fair, is it?

Agatha Christie knew whereof she spoke when she said, "I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."

I think Mr. Denver would have agreed.

First poem I ever wrote, at the age of 7:

My Sister

I have a little sister.
She has a funny smile.
She wants to go to school with me,
but she'll have to wait awhile.

For she is only one year old,
and what would teacher do,
if I brought her to school with me?
I wouldn't know; would you?

The prayer I am praying today:

Comfort for well-loved friends whose son's (and brother's) life, like John Denver's, passed too quickly. Healing for Catherine. Strength and stamina for my own children, who are old enough to well and truly need it.

The promise I am making:

"To make love live and breathe in all I do" (a line from one of my own poems).

Because loving, living, and breathing are what poems, prayers, and promises are all about.

For more P posts, just click below.

39 comments:

Terra said...

oh so beautiful. I get goose pimples still each time I think of John Denver's passing...he has been coming to the forefront in my life a lot lately and I am not real sure why...yet. Anyway - thanks for sharing your thoughts, poem and prayer...this was beautiful

Unknown said...

I can't get over how great that poem was that you wrote at 7! Wow!
I think being alive is truly a gift. It is also a gift to know that. Because with the weight of life that brings us down, we forget that we are alive.
I too hope that you will ALL find comfort and peace soon. Short lives...that's all we all have. But it does seem unfair that some are shorter then they should be.

Nancy said...

Sue, thanks for your thoughtful insight on how wonderful life is. It was especially timely for me, as Steve is struggling to maintain his independence and positive attitude as his muscular dystrophy progresses. I am grateful for his brother, David, who is by his side as he faces new and difficult challenges this week.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!!! I love to hear John Denver sing. I too was saddened by his early death.

Your talent was shining at a very early age...the poem is fantastic that you wrote when you were 7.

I love this beautiful post. Hugs

Ames said...

Aw Sue what a sweet poem, loving prayers, and wonderful promises!~Ames

Lisa Loo said...

When my girlfriend lost her young son the same way--I made a slide show/dvd for the funeral and one of the songs I used was Michael Jackson's, "Gone Too Soon"--really quite lovely.

Hard times for your friends right now---I truly ache for them.

On a lighter note--I echo others who said they were amazed at the skillz you already possessed in the poem writing department at the age of 7!!!

jen said...

I can't believe you wrote that when you were seven! Wow.
Thanks for a perspective check, in a positive light.

Wendy said...

perfectly positive!

Amanda Lee said...

It is good to be reminded of how wonderful it is to live and breathe!
~Amanda

Gabe said...

Agatha Christie is one of my favs. . .I've never read that quote but it is a good one. I loved your prayer as well!

Unknown said...

Your promise is wonderful. I will need to try to live it today. Your poem is super cute.

Jess said...

Seriously, you've been wielding that creative pen of your since you were 7? No wonder you went to college early!

I'm so glad that there is the sweet to balance out the bitter- and that being alive is one of those things.

H said...

The first time I heard of John Denver, I was 13. My cousin had just passed his driving text and took me for an 18 miles ride (at speed!!) to the local town to buy himself 'Rocky Mountain High'. It wasn't long before I was buying my own John Denver albums :)

Grandma Honey said...

You wrote that poem when you were 11? You had the gift all along. So interesting to look back and see that.

I wish I could help with the pain you are going through now.

Judie said...

Sue, you are such a comforting person. Your friends are really lucky to have someone like you in their lives.

Darlene said...

I remember when you wrote that poem, Sue. That wasn't the only one you wrote when you were seven. Once you found out how easy it was for you. You just never did really stop. It would be wonderful if you had every poem you ever wrote, but I suppose you have lost a few along the way. I know I certainly have lost a lot of mine.

I too love John Denver, and still play his music once in a while. If only he could have lived longer, we could have had a lot more of his beautiful music.

The promise is something we should all try to live. This was a truly wonderful post.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

I understand needing the music of our youth for comfort.

My heart and prayers are going out to your friends. I hope they find comfort and peace...

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

This was a beautiful post, Sue. I have this John Denver album from the 70's..always loved it and never dreamt back then that one day I'd have family living in Colorado.

So sad to hear about your friend's loss. Wishing them strength and peace in the days ahead.

yaya said...

John Denver is a fav of mine..just ask anyone I work with! I love that song. His life was indeed too short, as many times is the case. I'm very sorry for your friend's loss. Your amazing talent was sure evident early! Very sweet poem!

Vrinda said...

hi sue...

My mom feeds pigeons every morning, almost 30 pigeons come and have food here on our terrace. It's an awesome view...all of them eating at a time.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and sharing your wonderful experience.

Vrinda.

karen said...

Sometimes it takes a brush with sadness to get us to reflect on the direction we're going. It makes me sad to think of those who had life cut short, but it also makes me more determined not to waste my own time here. Your insight is perfectly timed and I'm glad your writing has been an inspiration to you and others for so long! Very nice post.

Brian Miller said...

i like your motto...and you had skillz at 7...smiles. big smiles today.

Jocelyn Christensen said...

You have an amazing gift!

Joy For Your Journey said...

Your poem is so sweet and cute--and surprising for only a 7 year old. I am glad you have continued writing.

And I am so sorry for your friends. I hope they find comfort and peace in their sorrow.

CB said...

That is a pretty great poem for a 7 year old. Wow!
I loved John Denver too - grew up with his music and I always dreamt of jumping on Grandma's Big Feather Bed!
Your final thought of making love live and breathe in all you do is perfect. No one knows how long they are going to live so they should live and love the best they can always.

Tonya said...

Very beautiful! I love your poems. So fun that you have the one you made up at seven. I think I'll challenge my daughter to try to make one up by reading her yours tomorrow. :)

Laura Lofgreen said...

Practically perfect. Thanks for your post! Melt my heart with John Denver.

Gattina said...

What a cute little poeme ! I loved to write poems when I was in my teens, then I didn't like it anymore, lol !

Mary said...

How inspiring~ I am amazed at your talent & your poem at the age of 7!!

Unknown said...

I love that poem you wrote when you were 7 :) It's too funny! It's amazing how the sound of music can make you remember about so many things, isn't it?

Yoshi said...

Great insights along with beautiful rainbow photo!
As for your poem, I assume your little sister just wanted to be with you. So teacher doesn't have to teach.
Heartwarming poem.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Dana @ Bungalow'56 said...

Sue, I can't believe you wrote that poem at age seven. It was wonderful. You truly have a gift. As for being happy to be alive, it is something we often seem to forget, but I needed a little reminder. So thank you.
Dana

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

That's a beautiful poem for your little sister. The three "Ps" go together so very well!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

a wonderful post...I love your first poem! How great that you had it saved.

Blessings & Aloha!
Thank you so much for coming by. I have an unexpected day off, so yay, I get to do some blog visits and complete some more art orders

...oh and I added this invite after you had already commented...I'd love if you would take a peek at my new facebook art page if you hadnt already (...I cant keep track of who has or hasnt, but when I finally get your two orders in albums there, please do leave a comment beneath them. I will be sure to let you know when I do.) www.facebook.com/PersonalizedSketches and become a "fan" by hitting the like button :o) I finally got brave enough to figure facebook pages out & posting more past orders there in separate categorized albums!

Jo said...

life is never fair ... so it is rewarding to see and feel beauty in as many moments as possible ... and life ... so much better than the alternative

beautiful post today Sue ... just beautiful ...

Lindsay said...

You are an awesome friend. We've also been listening to a John Denver song called Matthew. It's another great one that hits pretty close to home when you listen to the lyrics.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Dear Sue, Thank you for this glorious line: "To make love live and breathe in all I do"

Jenny said...

Sue, this was beautiful. It actually brought tears to my eyes (and no, it's not just seasonal allergies).

You have such a beautiful way of expressing your soul in words.

It is perfect.

And so was this post for our little journey through Alphabe-Thursday's letter 'P'.

Thank you for sharing yourself with us.

A+

Pondside said...

I loved this post - late coming to it, but I'm glad I did.