she is so slender and soft a reed
that his breath
sways her gently in the breeze of it.
and he, knowing her heart,
tends her with all ease of soul...
she, his soul
he, her life
and they adrift in a pool,
two slender reeds
afloat on the mystic winds of love.

photo and verse © john kopecky 28 Sept 2018

This poem has the feeling of Song of Solomon or Song of Songs in my opinion!  I wish to thank John Kopecky, my friend and poet and artist extraordinaire for sharing his talents and gifts with us mere mortals! You may discover more of his poetry and art on his blog sykhgbmnmopljh.blogspot.com and his ebooks are available on Amazon, Kindle, and Barnes & Noble, Nook.

A NOTE FROM JOHN:
I have photo prints and watercolor pieces for sale. . .some appear on G+ as posts and can be found on my profile, photos.  Total of over 70 chapbooks written with about 36 printed in some form--one underway but still developing contact through blog.

Thank you John! I really appreciate your work and your heart! Be blessed always!

I will give Thee thanks in the great congregation; I will praise Thee among a mighty throng. Psalm 35:18

Oh, the pain of being broken like a vessel shattered against bricks; the scattered pieces too many to count or replace. And suffering rude individuals who behave as though they have forgotten or merely ignore one’s presence is harsh indeed. King David experienced hostilities from friends and enemies alike throughout his lifetime. At times, terror and scheming hounded him—even from close family members. He’d cried out to the Lord against their threats and advances for they were as smiters he’d not known, slanderers who would not cease. Like godless jesters at a feast they gnashed…with their teeth…how long wilt Thou look on…

Even so David purposed in his heart to praise the Lord. No matter how ugly and fearsome the crowd, this king eventually focused on our magnanimous Lord to praise and expound His attributes! His determination to honor God instead of speaking hasty, unfaithful blame and criticism endeared him to our Father. I must admit that I’ve not been quick to praise in the midst of difficulties as David was apt to do. He has become my inspiration and I admire his devoted affection to the Lord. King David proved how he could stray and make huge mistakes, but he’d bounce back and express the loveliest heartfelt praise and trust in the Lord. 

Within the winds of trouble even a king isn’t saved by the might of horses or strong armies. Such advantages are false hope…victory that dissolves into vapor. Try as we may, our strength will fail to overcome, unless we rely upon God who is our ever-present help in times of trouble. We don’t know Him only with intellect for He purposed that the simple things would confound the wise. We can know Him with the intimacy of relationship and heartfelt gratitude. Oh, how slandering lips can ravage the most honorable reputation to ears willing to hear reproach aimed at others. Laughter follows the stumbling of good men or women as critical individuals gnash their teeth and sharpen their mocking attacks. Yet, David shares that when we cry the Lord hears and delivers us out of all our troubles. When the worse comes, may we trust Him.

When we are dashed cruelly to the brickworks of mistreatment and disrespect my hope is that we would arise with undivided hearts to luxuriate and honor His name above all else.

O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord and He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:3 and 4
​
Father, may You fill us with Your love and grace to combat the evil and negativity that can attack us. Accusations may fly easily off the tongue of those who do not guard their lips. May we arise with vigor and strength that only comes from You to be a blessing and bring honor to Your name that is above all other names. Amen

Age is a garden of memories,
Flowers are plants on the way;
And the dewdrops we see on the roses
Were tears in some far yesterday
 
Age is a hand-woven garment
With colors both vivid and bright,
And a spot here or there won’t be noticed
Just a sadness that lasted a night
 
Age is a tall, slender willow,
Lending its song to the air;
And if one small branch is yellowed
It dims not the beauty that’s there
 
Age is a book we have treasured
The pages earmarked and worn,
But none of the value is lessened
If one little flyleaf is torn
 
Age is a cool, shady pathway
That winds by a murmuring brook;
If one small portion is rocky
It’s just a detour we took
 
Your garden is filled with the flowers
Of all the kindness you’ve shown
Your handwoven garment holds beauty
For all of the friends you have known
 
The leaves on the tree are not yellowed
But painted with autumn’s gold;
And the book with its verses you cherish,
Has stories the pages can’t hold
 
The pathway you walk has been gladdened,
The song of the brook is more clear,
The whole of life has been brightened
Because of your presence here

This is a guest post shared by a friend of mine, Arnie Haverlein. His mother wrote this poem in 1946 and he wanted others to be blessed to read it. :)