Poetry

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Wiser, Yet Younger

Thumbing through old poetry,
reflections of a younger me,
I was shocked by what I found there
and what she’d hoped to someday be.

Some were laden with sadness,
grief I can scarcely remember.
Bitter tears like a fountain flowed
from the ink her old pen rendered.

Some were laden with fury.
Yet, in her fury’s monstrous face,
she threw stones to kill that giant.
Forgiveness she longed to embrace.

Excuse me for a moment
while I speak to that youthful me.
She’d be shocked by what she’d find here,
if she knew who she’d someday be.

Young lady, you did real good.
You’d be proud of who you’ve become.
You could never have dreamt how far
you would take Jesus’ hand and run.

When you laid down the old man
and took upon yourself the new,
you became me, finally free,
and developed a brand new view.

I would not erase your lines,
though they’re not all pretty and neat.
They just go to show how you’ve grown
and how many giants you’ve beat.

You’ve come a long way, Baby,
yet, you are still not done growing.
You take God’s Words one at a time
and thank Him for the knowing.

Someday I’ll look back and smile
at the woman I am today.
I wonder what she’ll think of me
and ink that still won’t bleed gray.

It’s just what you were born with --
colorful expressions in ink.
You’d be proud of myself, you would,
and the brand new ways you think.

What would you say if you knew
you got your wish from way back then?
You’re wiser than you were and yet,
younger than you’ve ever been.

You’re dancing a happy dance
and you're singing a joyful praise.
You didn’t get all you’d hoped for
but you’d love this brand new phase:

Basking here in God’s mercy
and covered in His wings of grace,
your countenance is not the same.
Shocking what Love can erase.
© Joyce Pool (expressively written for ME! :::smile:::)

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Note: Every time I see Philippians 4:8, I can't help but think the same thing: There are a great many things in this world that are "true," like the love of friends, babies' laughter, cool water, and Mother's embrace. But there is only one Truth. Many things are "honest," like refusing to keep the money when the clerk messes up and gives you too much change or the boldness to correct another for the good of their own soul. But the Word says that every man is a liar. That means the Word is the only thing completely honest. Many things are "just" in this world, but I've seen enough injustice that I probably don't need to think on it too often. Good thing love always prevails over judgment. God, The Judge, is the only true source of justice. There are few "pure" things in this world, but when I try, I can find a few. Jesus... He's still the purest thing I've ever known. Many things are lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. But is there ANYTHING whatsoever that compares to the loveliness, the goodness, the virtousness, the praiseworthiness of Jesus? I think not!

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