Poems from a Contemplative Heart

I started to write poetry after beginning a Christian-based 12 Step program.  The questions in my 12 Step book were probing.  A voice urged me to write poems even though I had not written poetry in 30 years so I began to write poems help me open up.

This poem below talks about the healing power of contemplative prayer. One of my friends was sick, so I decided to write a poem of encouragement.  I found out after writing it that my friend had been in the ER that night, so God gave me this poem for healing.

Be Still

by Julie Burbach

Be still and wait for His tender care.

Close your eyes, just feel,

So you will be aware,

Of a gentle touch that will lift

You out of despair.

Be still and reflect

On blessings in your life.

A mother's love, special times,

Let them fill up your mind,

And gently push away,

All the sadness left behind.

Be still and feel the beauty of your light,

See people you've touched,

It has shone so bright.

Don't let it grow dim,

In this dark night.

Be still and wait for He will be there.

Close your eyes, just feel,

Give Him all your cares.

And He will heal you, but only if you dare

To be still.

My next poem is on grief and loss issues.  Although mine are not as difficult as grieving the death of a loved one, we all face little deaths in our lives.  Working the steps brings these issues out in the open.  The only way out is to surrender and trust in God.  Here is the poem which shows my vision of grief and surrender.  I just finished it this week.

Endlessly Dark

by Julie Burbach

Endlessly dark,

A moonless sky,

Stars obscured,

I look for light.

Surrounded by mist,

My shattered heart,

Pierces the night,

With anguished cries,

Of emptiness,

And being apart.

Gentle whispers,

Stir up inside.

Tender thoughts,

Cut through pride.

Starlight pokes through.

And darkness takes

A softer hue.

Light from inside,

Becomes my guide.

Letting go of it all,

Though I stumble,

And fear to fall.

Insects hum,

And birds sing.

Fireflies go by,

I hear bells ring.

Color returns to the sky,

For soon the sun will rise.

So I am thankful to the Lord for giving me this desire to write poems.  I also believe that spending time in meditation opens the door to creativity.