A Connection
Was I cut open so that books could come out?
Or was it to make me an open book, my stories to rout?
To then be stitched up like the spine of a book—
held together when open, is that what it took?
To have a permanent spout for books to come out?
They’ve always been there, they just needed a route?
If I drew a self-portrait of the scar that I carry,
I’m not sure I’d like it—it wouldn’t seem merry.
But perhaps it would celebrate that dear time with God.
I know there are folks who think that odd.
But would I prefer not to expose,
to keep it wrapped up, in my nice pretty clothes?
These books that I’ve made in the following months,
seem like dreams come true, impossibilities once.
And now I hold them, one-two-three;
And there are still more, waiting to be freed.
The New Year holds promise for what lies in store—
another Genevieve, Draw Your Life, and so much more!
Whatever the connection between my scars and these books,
I’m grateful for their being and all that it took.
We just never know what pain will bring…
I’ll rest in its path, His praises to sing.
-jpe
11/22/2013
*****As 2013 comes to a close, I’ve been doing a good bit of reminiscing over the year’s events. Whew! It’s been a full one! Even though there are some parts I wouldn’t want to relive, I’m grateful for every moment of it. Tomorrow’s post will be the last one for this year! I hope you’ve enjoyed my little holiday present to you of postings every day ’til Christmas. I sincerely wish you all the merriest Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas to you too and thanks for sharing your thoughts, your life and your art.
A wonderful way to start your day
To hear that pain is the better way
And through her life witness the truth of it
By splendiferous paintings and Genevieve’s wit
Waiting excited and with hobbit like glee
To see what Jennifer will turn out to be
Terrific dad! Thanks a bunch!
Thank you so much for your inspiring and fun posts. Wishing you much health, happiness and creativity for 2014
I couldn’t agree more. Perhaps God just gifted you with an ability to zero in on what you want to say and do after being laid up as much as you were. You were already quite talented but sometimes we feel like we can just wait another day as we are too busy with other things today. Now you know differently and that’s given you a different and good perspective! Your poem sure made the best picture on the connection! Well let’s see what more you come up with! I can’t wait.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
(By the way, I ended up needing a few Christmas cards so I used my journal page with the One Line tree drawing and your poem for the card front! I Photoshopped a border around an image of my page minus the personal writing and added a Merry Christmas and voila! a great Christmas card. I made it large so the people who get it can read your poem.
Oh Timaree. What an affirming comment to wake up to today! I so appreciate the perspective you offer of now feeling like I need to get on with the things I really want to be making…which right now seems to be books! And your Christmas sounds awesome! I know each person will LOVE having that from you! I hope your Christmas and new Year’s is the best ever!!