Whirling twirling…there I am.
Through the kaleidoscope I watch bright fragments
Congeal into pictures of shining memories,
Moments of music through a maze of years.
Whirling twirling…there I am,
Held high in my preacher daddy’s arms.
I lisp along with his clear voice,
“Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.”
Whirling twirling…there I am,
One in a group of children singing lustily,
“The B..I..B..L..E
Yes, that’s the Book for me.”
Whirling twirling…there I am,
Elbow propped on the piano.
I am enrapt with the music
Flowing from Uncle George’s fingers.
Whirling twirling…there I am,
Pretending to be a world-renowned soloist.
I stand alone on the top church step
Presenting a special concert to an invisible crowd.
Whirling twirling…there I am,
Listening to my mother’s sweet soprano.
She offers her heartfelt praise to God
While she goes about her household chores.
Whirling twirling…there I am,
Sitting at the old upright piano.
Mother always says that I practice extra well
When it’s time to do the dishes.
Whirling twirling…there I am,
A young lady singing the grand old hymns
At camp meetings and revivals
And Sunday after Sunday services.
Whirling twirling…there I am,
Blending my voice in the college choir.
I revel in every note of the simplest song
To the awesome magnificence of “The Messiah.”
Whirling twirling…there I am.
Faster and faster the fragments fly
Through love songs and lullabies
And sad songs sung with tear-filled eyes.
At last the whirling twirling stops,
And there I am,
Amid a lifetime of Alleluias,
Blessed by amazing grace!
Read more articles by Verna Cole Mitchell or search for articles on the same topic or others.
I was drawn to your title once again, as I come to tell you "thank you" for leaving a comment on my Christmas Eve story. I so relish the word pictures you have painted here. You are a precious friend and terrific writer!
Verna, this is just beautiful, and such a lovely way to time-travel through a lifetime. Being another PK, myself, I could certainly tag along on your life's journey.
Since Kaleidoscopes are a favorite among my collectibles, your title caught my eye when I came to tell you "thank you" for your welcome comment on my "Thanks Living" article. I'm sure you would love my Clairey in person---I only miss the chubby baby arms and cheeks, now that she has stretched like a string bean to six years old! Thank you, Friend.
