Joy & Pain
Cool breeze caressing your skin,
Soft, lovely hair blowing in the wind.
Running, laughing, playing with your friends,
The good times, when the fun never ends.
The joy of remembering how it was yesterday,
The pain of knowing those days have gone away.
Thoughts of success flowing through your mind,
Rings of doubt, wondering are they a waste of time.
Working hard to obtain an honest livin’,
Pot-holes and obstacles so you take what is given.
Once there was joy….when all worked together from the start,
Now there is pain watching ignorance tear us apart.
Smile when hoping we will all come together,
Frown then thinking can we withstand the weather.
Dreams of the clock ticking at a pleasant rate,
Reality of wondering have we already sealed our fate.
The pain of seeing our world drift astray,
The joy of knowing that our Lord and Savior is on His way.
Maurice J. Reynolds is a freelance writer who has had material published in various publications. He is the owner of To God be the Glory! Publications, a literary ministry that produces the poetry publication Creative Inspirations. More information can be found at: www.tgbtgpublictions.com.
Hello, Rev.... your poem almost tells me that with all the superficialities in life and in our daily routine and structure, the only truth remains in the promise of our good Lord and Savior. I sometimes wonder if we could get through all the glitz and glamour or even all the pain and the struggles long enough to put the "real" things into perspective........... of course, this is just my way of thinking and grasping your words............. God bless, Sheri
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written Reverend and it is clear that with true faith you can weather any storm and relish the love of life in the Springtime. A very nice love story. Robert
ReplyDeleteSheri and Robert, thank you both so much for the encouragement. I often get in a sentimental mood and whenever words are created from that mood, poems like "Joy & Pain" are the result. Continued blessings to you both.
ReplyDelete--Maurice J. Reynolds, Owner / Editor
TGBTG! Publications / Creative Inspirations
www/tgbtgpublictions.com
Thank you, Christine Tate, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteHi Rev. Reynolds...I found your poem to be so timely and inspirational. In uncertain times we have to remember this earth is our temporal home as we anxiously anticipate the glorious return of the Lord Jesus. Yes, we enjoy God's blessings now, but know without a shadow of a doubt that heaven is our real destination. Thanks for sharing a great message! God bless you, Chris~
Dear Maurice, the pain and joy are summed up so well in the lines "The joy of remembering how it was yesterday, The pain of knowing those days have gone away." Indeed, life was so much happier in decades past when people trusted their neighbors and gave everyone a fair chance to be included. I believe our Lord has his own "clock" and he marks time by watching how we behave. One day we will either by punished or rewarded for our actions. He is with us now, of course. His presence can be felt among the faithful. Blessings to you for this beautiful poem, my friend. Love and peace always, Carolyn
ReplyDeleteDear Maurice, your poem reminds me of a scripture that "there must be opposition in all things, were it not so much righteousness could not be brought to pass". When we have learned to love in the face of hate, we have truly learned to love like Christ. To have faith in the face of doubt and fear is also to have faith like Christ and one could go on and on. Thank you for a wonderfully written poem that ends in the faith that when Christ comes all will be well. "All's well that ends well" (William Shakespeare)
ReplyDeleteDear Maurice,
ReplyDeleteYou convey well here the "joys and pains" we encounter throughout our lifetimes. The happiness, sadness, our fears and doubts we struggle with on a day to day basis tests our faith but we keep trying by holding onto that faith. It was a pleasure to read your poetr today.
Sandra Stefanowich
Thank you, Jack Horne, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteMaurice - love the uplifting way the last line turns the poem around and makes everything OK after all
Dear Maurice,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the thoughtful comments you have left for other writers. What a bright light you are in this community. I appreciate all you do.
Blessings,
Karen
A wonderful composition of gifted words Maurice. The journey through our life can vary, trials and tribulations at times come to be, so does the gift of love, capture in special moments, treasures unforeseen. It brings hope and faith, takes the pain away, blessed by God, a priceless gift I do believe.. Leokadia
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine, Carolyn and Charlene for the feedback and encouragement. Thank you as well, Sandra, Jack Karen and Anielica. Your willingness to share is a blessing to me. Thank you all. Glad you enjoyed "Joy & Pain." Continued blessings to each of you! -MJ
ReplyDeleteEmotional reading - faith is a very important item in my life with hope being just around the corner! Amazing how the pain disappears when one talks to God - beautiful Maurice...
ReplyDeleteRhoda Galgiani
Hello Rhoda. Thank you so much for the encouragement. Continued blessings to you and yours! -MJ
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robert Dufresne, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteI really have alot of respect for the way you presented this poem. It is just packed with reality, memories and sensations/emotions, Maurice. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Bob D
Hi Bob. Thank you for the kind words of encouragement. I truly appreciate it. Continued blessings! -MJ
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gerald Heyder, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteDear Maurice--you have really told a story about life with this poem. It's a classic case of bittersweet until we leave it behind for the afterlife.
Thank you, Gerald. Continued blessings!
DeleteThank you, Eleanor Michael, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteOne observes that joy, doubt and pain seem to be a part of living. And growth.
Yes, Eleanor, you are exactly right. It is all a part of life, the joys and the pains. Thank you for your wonderful comments. Continued blessings! -MJ
DeleteThank you, Suzanne Clement, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting way of depicting the ups and downs that come.
Suzanne Clement
Thanks Suzanne. Continued blessings!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMaurice , l can imagine a world that is drifting away, and ignorance that is tearing people apart. Glory, because , at the end, there is salvation on the way! Very inspiring read. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ndaba. It is that hope of salvation that trumps all life's ups and downs. Continued blessings, my friend!
DeleteThank you, John Williams, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteYour work is a pleasure. I've been following it for awhile. When I'm settled in my new home, I'll send some work. Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts.
Hi John. Blessing to you, my friend! I love your poetry as well and can't wait to receive more submissions. Take your time, though. Getting settled in your new home is a blessing! Talk to you soon. -MJ
ReplyDeleteThank you, Richard Sponaugle for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteHeart--and soul--felt, beautifully written, coming together perfectly at the end.