I have a friend named Jay
He is Muslim, origonally from Bahrain
I am Christian, born in the U.S.A.
What difference does it make?
None.
We became friends,even before
Either of us knew the other one’s belief
This should prove to the world
That we can exist peacefully
He operates a convience store
Not far from where I live
I would trust him with my life.
And I am just a customer...
There should not be so much strife
Between people of different beliefs
For we all worship the only one and true God
And I know that God loves us all.
Jay has encouraged me to write again
And to express what I
Think about him.
He is 35 and has darker skin than I
I am a grandma with white skin
Who sometimes just goes in
To talk with him
Before I have to come home
To an empty house.
And risk crying
All over again
The recent death of my beloved husband.
Because Jay has always been so friendly
With a big smile on his face
I think that God let us become friends
For some reason neither of us know
God has allowed our conversations to grow
Within our faith talks together
May God continue to bless Jay
For I am thankful
To have such a friend.
In ...my life.
previously, I said Jay was Islamic,; he corrected me and said he is Muslim, that Islamic was extreme and that he was not Islamic. You can see what truthful communucation between people can open understanding. He reads my Christian writing that I share with him.
Copyright2008
Martha J. Currington
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Truly touching. God does send 'angels' to minister to us in time of need. Keep expressing your thoughts through your writing as well as sharing with your friend. May the God of all comfort soothe your pain. (P.S - Anne's comments are worth pondering).
This is a very heartfelt poem - you express yourself well. I'm not familiar with the "rules" of free verse so I can't give you advice in the area of writing....but you have a very honest style of writing. I understand where you're coming from because of how well you express it. :)
When someone shares their heart, it touches me deeply. You have proven that reaching out, you can find a friend. I cannot write poetry, but I admire those who can and I'm glad I was led to your thoughtful poem.
Your poem conveys a friendship which is obviously important to you both: but one small warning, that you are in a vulnerable place emotionally following the loss of your husband This kindness is great and means so much during loneliness, but big mistakes can be made. I enjoy writing poetry, mostly free verse not usually rhyming but having an internal rhythm. Check out Jan's Maserclasses on the messageboard. Meanwhile enjoy the friendship, the open sharing of similarities and difference, but keep a little caution too.
A very personal writing. Friendships and communication are good, however beliefs need to be protected. I would not be able to agree with your statement that we all worship the same God - my God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sin and raised Him from the dead so I would not have to suffer my "due". No other religion believes that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Wonderful, Martha! I see the heart of Christ in your words. We CAN love our neighbor, and even one we might see as an enemy. You've demonstrated that very well. Your poetry flows, and has a sort of internal rhythm that carried me through to the end. Just lovely.
I pray that God continues to surround you with friends during this difficult time, and I also pray that God will use you to show Jay the love of Christ. Thank you for your heartfelt poem.
