By w.j.debi
The Lord is found in solemn prayer
and other quiet moments where
you contemplate your soul's desire.
For revelation does require
a heart that's open and aware.
No earthly power can compare,
not thunder, quake, or solar flare.
It's not in wind, or storm, or fire
The Lord is found.
Our loving Father seeks to share
His Holy Spirit's tender care.
So pause to listen and inquire.
He'll reach to you, with strength, inspire
in gentle, still small voice. It's there
The Lord is found.
| Author Notes |
Trying new forms. My first Rondeau.
A rondeau is a fixed form of poetry which has fifteen lines either of 8 syllables or 10 syllables per line. It is divided into three stanzas. A word or words from the first part of the first line are used as a refrain ending the second and third stanzas. The rhyme scheme is aabba aabR aabbaR. Thank you to VisionaryPerspective for the loan of the artwork Listen For The New Song |
By w.j.debi
My Shepherd called, "Come, follow me."
I wandered off and fell behind.
With no one near to hear my plea,
the world seemed vast and so unkind.
Alone and lost as I could be,
He left the ninety-nine ... for me.
To find. To save. He loves me so.
My Shepherd calls and now I go.
| Author Notes |
Trying new forms. My first rispetto
The rispetto is a classic Italian form that is written in iambic tetrameter. It is made of two stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is abab in the first stanza and changes to ccdd rhyming in the second stanza. In the parable of the Good Shepherd, the shepherd has 100 sheep. Ninety-nine of them follow when he calls, but one gets lost. He leaves the 99 to go in search of the one that is missing and bring it back to the fold, Thank you to Imagine Life for the loan of the artwork "Shepherd's View" |
By w.j.debi
I shall eternally be awed
By glories streaming forth from God
The many mercies that are found
And wondrous blessings that abound
If nature joyfully displays
In silent hymns and trilling lays
In colors splendid and obscure
That love of God will long endure
Then I'll have faith when raging storms
And dark despair around me forms
The One who calms the seething sea
Still reaches out to comfort me
He soothes my faint and troubled heart
And lets me know that I am part
Of His most grand and great design
That His pure love is surely mine
Such wondrous blessing that abound
So many mercies that are found
By glories streaming forth from God
Yes, I'll eternally be awed
| Author Notes | Thank you to VisionaryPerspective for the loan of the artwork "Glory Shown" |
By w.j.debi
| Author Notes |
I missed the contest, but wanted to try this form since it is new to me.
A Trinet is a verse of three stanzas. Each stanza is made of seven lines with the following configuration: 2 words 2 words 6 words 6 words 2 words 2 words 2 words |
By w.j.debi
Want was strong, but faith was stronger.
Poor widow cast in all she had.
Two mites--they were hers to squander.
Want was strong, but faith was stronger.
Her fate? We are left to ponder.
We only know she made Christ glad.
Want was strong, but faith was stronger,
Poor widow cast in all she had.
| Author Notes |
The story of the widow's mite as found in Mark 12: 41-44 (King James version)
"And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which makes a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." Thank you to Angelheart for the loan of the beautiful artwork "Prayer-Upward Bound" still experimenting--my first triolet (A triolet has only eight lines with a rhyme scheme abaaabab. Lines one, four and seven are exactly the same. Lines two and eight are exactly the same.) |
By w.j.debi
| Author Notes |
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mark 15:34 King James Version
One day I was at a school sporting event. A man I knew asked if he could hide behind me. His son was in the competition. He did not want his child to know he was there. He didn't want to distract the child in any way so he could put his full effort into the event. But the father couldn't stay away. He wanted to be there and see how his son did, silently lending his support. I recalled other times I have seen wise parents take a step back and let a child struggle with something so they could win the victory on their own. I think the parent often suffers more than the child in some cases. It made me wonder what The Father felt during the Crucifixion of Jesus. Part of the process was The Father removing His Spirit and leaving Christ to feel abandoned. This poem was the result of contemplating how The Father felt in that moment. |
By w.j.debi
Makes me wonder at cascading springs,
the melodic song the water sings
for the life each drop of moisture brings.
Makes me grateful for the doe and fawns
who walk right past me as daylight dawns
on their way to feed on forest lawns.
Makes me joyous for the bright blue sky
as birds with wild aspirations fly
up toward the cirrus clouds on high.
Makes me marvel at the mountain peak,
the heights every soul on earth can seek,
and how each life form is so unique.
For the leaf's and tree bark's symmetry,
and the woodpecker and bumblebee--
each one glories in what it can be.
Makes me pause to ponder reverently:
As a child of God, how do I see
my own purpose in eternity?
| Author Notes | Just some musings during a day I spent in the canyon. The doe with her two fawns walking past was especially awesome. |
By w.j.debi
To lie down in green pastures one day
And gaze over lush forests and glens,
Watching young leopards and kid goats at play
With small calves and great lions, their friends.
Woolly lambs and wolf cubs frolic outside
Then they snuggle to sleep in wolf dens.
The cow and the bear in peace shall reside,
Feeding together on a banquet of straw.
A child will lead them to safely abide
As companions in a world filled with awe.
When paradise comes and earth is reborn,
Changing both our hearts and natural law,
Love will then reign, as prophets have sworn,
Bringing a beautiful heavenly morn.
| Author Notes |
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
"And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox,. "And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice den. "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:6-9 "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.." Psalm 23:2 Thank you to lynnkah for the loan of the artwork "Lion and the lamb" |
By w.j.debi
He leads me through the shadows of the night
with light that makes both storm and sorrow flee.
And in my mind I hear His gentle plea,
"Oh, ye of little faith don't doubt what's right.
I hope you know, you're precious in my sight.
I am the way so come and follow me.
For Peter faltered walking on the sea,
and I was there to save him from his plight."
"If you, before the dawn, deny me thrice,
or turn from good and choose the path of sin,
I'll go ahead and still I'll pay the price,
and open wide my arms and take you in.
And in return I ask this sacrifice--
Your humble heart that feels my love within."
| Author Notes |
Italian Sonnet--made of an octave with a required rhyme scheme of abbaabba and a sestet. Unlike other sonnets, there is no closing couplet.
Bible References Matthew 14: 28-33 Peter began to walk on water, grew afraid, and started to sink. He called out to the Lord who reached out and saved him. Matthew 26:69-75 Peter denied the Lord three times before the cock crowed. Thank you to Moonwillow for the use of "Reap the Wild Wind" |
By w.j.debi
Beside the well He spoke of thirst.
Her heart so burst
with joy, she ran.
"Come see this man.
He told all things I've ever done.
This Holy One
at Jacob's well,
come hear him tell
how quenching water that He gives
forever lives.
For I am sure,
I'll thirst no more."
| Author Notes |
Bible reference
John 4:4-42 Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well. He tells her about her life and the "living water" he offers. She leaves her water pot behind and goes to tell others who come to hear His words. Thank you to GaliaG for the use of "Eid Gedi Spring" |
By w.j.debi
By w.j.debi
He restores my soul and rescues me.
I stand in awe of love beyond compare.
'Tis the grandest gift of all eternity.
Though I'm alone and shunned in Galilee,
a leper's lot, but still He stops to care.
He restores my soul and rescues me.
Five thousand hunger, yet individually
He knows my name and offers bread to share.
'Tis the grandest gift of all eternity.
In pain, or blind, or plagued by tragedy,
He heals my wounds and lifts me from despair.
He restores my soul and rescues me.
When I help to drive the nails on Calvary,
"Forgive them, Father, please," He pleads in prayer.
'Tis the grandest gift of all eternity.
For He reaches out with love and charity,
and if I look, I'll find He's always there.
He restores my soul and rescues me.
'Tis the grandest gift in all eternity.
~
| Author Notes |
Villanelle is a nineteen line poem consisting of five tercets and a final quatrain. The rhyming pattern is aba aba aba aba aba abaa. The first line of the poem is the third line of stanza two and four. The third line of the poem is also the third line in stanza three and five. The first and third line of the poem form the closing two lines in the quatrain.
Thank you to Linda Bickston for the use of the artwork "The Last Supper". |
By w.j.debi
He leads me in the ways of truth,
a foreigner like Moab Ruth
who journeys to the promised land
as she accepts His guiding hand.
"Entreat me not to leave," Ruth pleads
then follows where Naomi leads.
Her faithful heart will understand
as she accepts His guiding hand.
And just like Ruth, I'm in His care.
He knows my needs and hears my prayer.
I am so small, His plan so grand,
as I accept His guiding hand.
He leads me in the ways of truth
as I accept His guiding hand.
~~
| Author Notes |
The Kyrielle Sonnet combines features of the Kyrielle and the Sonnet. Like the sonnet, it has 14 lines. Like a Kyrielle, each line has 8 syllables and each quatrain has a refrain line. The final couplet is made by combining the first line of the poem and the refrain. I slightly modified the refrain line in the final stanza and couplet.
Thank you Angelheart for the loan of the artwork, "Prayer For Strength". Scripture reference Ruth 1:16-18 |
By w.j.debi
The paths of faith are so diverse
we may mistake them for mere chance.
When jealous brothers all converse
what seems a choice of circumstance
saves Joseph's life; instead, he's sold.
The paths of faith are so diverse,
he'll rise in Egypt, strong and bold,
and save them from a famine's curse.
The course that David would traverse
saves Israel with a sling and stone.
The paths of faith are so diverse,
brave Esther must approach a throne.
The blessing comes, it always does,
so when our trail has thorns or worse
remember it may be because
the paths of faith are so diverse.
~~
| Author Notes |
A Quatern is a sixteen line poem of four quatrains. It has a refrain that is repeated in each quatrain: in the first line of stanza one, second line of stanza two, third line of stanza three, and fourth line of stanza four. It has eight syllables per line. It does not have to be iambic or follow a set rhyme scheme.
For those not familiar with the bible stories: Genesis 37-50 Joseph was the favored son of Jacob also known as Israel. This made his brothers jealous and they captured him and plotted to kill him. A caravan was traveling by at the time and the brothers decided to sell Joseph as a slave instead and then tell their father that Joseph had been killed. Joseph had many trials in Egypt including being a slave, being wrongly accused and put in prison. When he had the opportunity to interpret a dream for Pharaoh about seven years of plenty and seven years of famine, Joseph was given power to rule all Egypt and put in charge of creating a plan to create storage for the coming famine. When the famine came, Joseph's brothers found themselves in need and traveled to Egypt for food. Joseph was reunited with his family and they were saved from the famine. 1 Samuel 17 When Israel and the Philistines went to war against each other, the Philistine champion Goliath challenged Israel to send a warrior to fight with him in personal combat. If anyone could kill him then the Philistines would be the servants of Israel. Goliath was large and fearsome so no one dared accept the challenge. David was a shepherd boy at the time. He had come to bring supplies to his older brothers. He volunteered to face Goliath with his slingshot and a handful of stones. Goliath laughed at the youth, but was killed when a stone from David's slingshot hit him in the middle of his forehead. Book of Esther Esther was a Jewish woman married to Ahasuerus, king of Persia. When a plot was hatched to kill the Jews within the Persian empire, she braved entering the throne room to speak to the king to invite him to dinner. No one was allowed to approach the throne without permission. To do so was to risk death. Esther had not been visited by the king for some time so she was not certain her standing. The king extended his scepter to Esther indicating that she had his approval to approach. For more on how Esther saved her people see the Book of Esther in the Bible. |
By w.j.debi
Of righteousness and charity,
the Lord has shown us what to do.
Such tender mercies we can see,
if we believe and follow through.
The Lord has shown us what to do
by reaching out a loving hand.
If we believe and follow through
then we will come to understand
By reaching out a loving hand
to those in need, we also grow.
Then we can come to understand
the change of heart He'd have us know
Of righteousness and charity,
such tender mercies we can see.
~~
| Author Notes |
A Pantoum Sonnet is a combined form
Like the sonnet it has 14 lines with three quatrains and a couplet. Generally, it is written in iambic pentameter (ten syllables). I went with tetrameter (eight syllables) which is usually used in a pantoum. Like a pantoum it has repeated lines: The 2nd and 4th line of the first stanza become the 1st and 3rd lines of the second stanza. The 2nd and 4th lines of the second stanza become the 1st and 3rd lines of the third stanza. The lines of the closing couplet are the same as the 1st and 3rd lines of the beginning stanza. |
By w.j.debi
For His name's sake,
will you reach out to dry a tear?
For His name's sake,
is there a difference you can make
to soothe a grief, or calm a fear,
to lend a hand, or just be near?
For His name's sake?
~~
| Author Notes |
A Rondelet is a French form of poetry consisting of seven lines.
Line length is 4-8-4-8-8-8-4. Rhyme scheme is AbAabbA; capital letters indicate the refrain (repeated) lines. |
By w.j.debi
Yea, glory in the splendor of the Lord,
the orchestra of sea, and earth, and sky,
the harmony between the sun and rain
allowing life to blossom and to thrive.
Yea, revel in the nocturne of the night,
the whirling waltz of stars with moon and clouds
accompanied by crickets, loons and frogs,
the hooting owl and wolf's primeval call.
Yea, frolic with the chorus of the morn,
the meadow lark, the chipmunks, and the sheep,
the rainbow formed of trees, and flowers and plants,
the shining dew drops and the passing breeze.
Yea, celebrate the blessings that abound.
The universe reveals a grand array,
inspiring possibilities and dreams,
and my small part in this eternity.
~~
By w.j.debi
Though I walk alone, God hears my prayer.
For my journey to the promised land
crosses fields of shale and burning sand.
Stones may cut me, thorny briers ensnare;
But without a doubt, if I reach out
in my time of need, the manna's there.
Oh, rejoice my soul, the feast is grand:
Though I walk alone, God hears my prayer.
~~
| Author Notes |
manna -- 1. the food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in the wilderness; 2. divine or spiritual food; 3. any sudden or unexpected help, advantage or aid to success.
For those interested in the technical details, I found this poetry form on Shadow Poetry and you can find more details there. An Octain Refrain is an eight line poem composed of the refrain line, two tercets (three line stanzas), and the refrain line with a rhyme scheme of A b-b-a c/c-a-b (fifth line having a internal rhyme) A Thank you to GaliaG for the use of the beautiful photo "Hot Desert" |
By w.j.debi
Through the valley of the shadow
when you think all hope is gone,
and the darkness looms before you
with no chance of seeing dawn,
Trust in Christ, a man of sorrow,
one acquainted too with grief.
He has been betrayed and beaten,
left alone with no relief.
Understanding tribulation,
hunted from His day of birth,
He would ease your pain and anguish.
Do you know what you are worth?
Can the price He paid be valued
by the tears and blood He shed?
By the blame that He accepted?
Or the pleading voice that said,
"Oh, my Father, please forgive them,
for they know not what they do."
When someone gives you that much love,
can you doubt He'll see you through?
~~~
| Author Notes | Thank you to Angelheart for the use oft he artwork Lean on Me |
By w.j.debi
Of death, the Son, the Chosen One,
says, "I have rescued you.
I came to save you from the grave.
The resurrection's true.
I conquered doom. The empty tomb--
a gift to you from me.
The grave's sharp sting has taken wing.
Come, greet Eternity."
~~~
| Author Notes |
A Triquatrain poem is a quatrain poem in tri-rhyme with a specific rhyming pattern. Lines 1 and 3 have internal rhyme whereas lines 2 and 4 do not. Triquatrain does not require a specific meter and it can be any length.
Example: (a,a) b (c,c) b (d,d) e (f,f) e Thank you to Angelheart for the use of her artwork "I Am With You Always" |
By w.j.debi
I will let my light so shine
and not hide it out of view,
or display for just a few,
but rejoice that it is mine.
Such a treasure, I'll refine.
Heaven's gift, I'll share with you.
I will let my light so shine
and not hide it out of view.
Glorify the Lord Divine
when good works come shining through.
Sing His praise, let joy ensue.
For my part in His design--
I will let my light so shine.
~~~
| Author Notes |
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." St. Matthew 5:14-16 King James version A Rondel is a thirteen line poem made up of two quatrains (four line stanzas) and one quintet (5 line stanza). The rhyme scheme is ABba, abAB, abbaA with capital letters representing repeating lines. See Shadow Poetry for more detail. Thank you to Moonwillow for the use of her artwork "Candle Opera" |
By w.j.debi
| Author Notes |
Write a cleave poem. On the left is a poem that stands on its own, on the right is a poem that stands on its own, separated by a dash or dots. Then comes the hard part. A third poem exists when the lines are joined and read and makes a complete third poem. It can rhyme or not, up to you.
Acrostic = Fear No Evil ....... Trust In God Thank you to Angelheart for the loan of her artwork "Come Home, My Children" |
By w.j.debi
For you are mine, the Savior said.
If you will hear and you will see.
Accept from me the broken bread,
the gift of all eternity.
I came into this world to be
a light that leads you on ahead.
So seek for truth; it sets you free.
For you are mine, the Savior said.
Along the path you choose to tread,
if you will come and follow me,
I'll take from you your darkest dread,
if you will hear and you will see.
My gospel conquers misery
and makes a joyful heart instead.
Receive this gift of charity,
accept from me the broken bread.
And once your hungry soul has fed,
new eyes will see with clarity
this offering before you spread,
the gift of all eternity.
Come, take my hand and walk with me.
That burden that you bear, it's shed.
Bright hope has won the victory.
Pure love is where your path has led ...
for you are mine.
~~~
| Author Notes |
Thank you to SteveANH for the loan of the artwork "Stained Glass Window".
Rondeau Redouble is composed of six stanzas: five stanzas of four lines, and the final stanza of five lines. Each line in the first stanza successively becomes the respective fourth line of stanzas 2, 3, 4 and 5. Part of the first line is used as the concluding line in the sixth stanza, just line a rondeau. Rhyming patterns A1-B1-A2-B2 b-a-b-A1 a-b-a-B1 b-a-b-A2 a-b-a-B2 b-a-b-a-A1 (partial of A1) |
By w.j.debi
"With me,"
Pharaoh declares,
"slaves are clothed, sheltered, fed.
They obey, knowing how royal
I am."
"With me,"
Jesus invites,
"Love's path climbs true and straight.
Come. Follow me. Learn how royal
you are."
| Author Notes |
Cinquain is a French form that consists of 5 lines
Line 1 = 2 syllables Line 2 = 4 syllables Line 3 = 6 syllables Line 4 = 8 syllables Line 5 = 2 syllables Thank you to stawickistudio for the use of the artwork |
By w.j.debi
Your rod and your staff,
your robe's very hem:
physical symbols
that inspire the faith
to reach out and touch,
to look up and see.
Kindness in your eyes,
emblems in your palms,
tokens in your feet,
reaching, outstretched arms
beckoning with love,
"Come, and follow me."
~~~
| Author Notes |
Tableau form
5 beats per line 6 lines per stanza 1 or more stanzas Can rhyme, but is not required Picture should come to mind as you read Title should contain the word tableau I did not follow the form exactly, but I did borrow the format of 5 beats per line and 6 lines per stanza |
By w.j.debi
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