Color on the Mountain

COLOR ON THE MOUNTAIN

In this season of difficulty,

poetry saves me.  As does

color on the mountain. Everyone’s

favorite man, uncle, father, husband,

brother – has died. Why doesn’t the

whole world stop? The vacuum is

palpable!  Yet, on flows the water

in Brock Creek. And, how horrible

would it be if this world turned black

and white, or flat to honor the dying. If there

were no poetry, no laments.  Only positive

thinking and “Be strong; there is a

reason for everything,” no wrestling. 

Only sunrises. No mountains, merely

prairie, desert, and smooth lakes.  

How rough are ragged edges

and rugged steep climbs!  Yet, how dull

would this world be without Grace?  Not

the kind that is uncomfortable sitting

in messiness. Not the kind preaching:

“God only gives you what you can handle.”

Rather, Grace that dignifies pain, listens

without fixing or diminishing, without

pressure to move on. Such Graceful compassion

holds your hand while buzzards pick the bones.

While the storm rages and platitudes are handed

out like brownies. It witnesses with you, the

color on the mountain. Sits at the feet of all who 

mourn, rage, lament, laugh, or even

wrestle with angels. 

Dear Readers,

        I'm not sure what is happening!  (A poignant, lovely place to be, perhaps?)  In the pausing of my blog in August, I toyed with thoughts of writing poetry, leaned in actually and penned a few lines, but kept hesitating on the brink. Then suddenly life events catapulted me right over the edge and into the stream, causing a flow of words and lines that might be called 'raw,' unpolished poetry. This poem was written after the sudden death of my brother-in law, John David "JD" Landis, and is dedicated to his family. JD embodied God's grace.
         Back to poetry writing, I decided not to stand in the way of the flow. So, as it pours forth I hope you don't mind being invited along for the ride. May the grace of God, of love and compassion, accompany you, every season and every event. 

With love and joy in the midst,

Sharon

                         

July 2016 Landis family sibling/parents reunion at our farm. Last time all together with JD and Mary.