Monday, March 21, 2016

Special Feature Collaborative Poem--By Mary Jo Balestriri and Michael Escoubas--United States

Joy in the Morning
(Psalm 30)

By Mary Jo Balestriri and Michael Escoubas

Make
music
to the Lord.
Sing and praise Him
in song for He has
heard my cries, removing
me from myself to a place
of His choice—a high place where I
see His Face reflected in all things.
You loved me into life, Lord. I am Yours.

I remember well when You hid Your face.
I found my worth in success and praise
of friends. My center was myself.
Like a cracked cistern my life
seeped out to emptiness.
Yet You were patient
when I stumbled--
thank You, Lord.
Now, I’m
home.

17 comments:

  1. Mary Jo and Michael,
    Great double etheree.
    Your friend,
    David Fox

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  2. Brilliantly executed etheree tandem. This one came from the hearts.

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  3. Congratulations to both poets
    am not familiar with this form
    best wishes
    angelee

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  4. What a lovely poem, Mary Jo and Michael. I am intrigued by the etheree form.

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  5. A lovely and poignant write....many thanks for sharing this one Mary Jo and Michael!

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  6. Thank you so much David and Michael. we are happy you liked the poem.

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  7. Thank you also Angelee, Marianne and Ken. It means a lot when someone writes. We have such a loving community here.

    Michael and Mary Jo

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  8. nice, Jo and Michael - let's have more from the two of you! Meow, meow, Jo

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  9. Congrats ! Really liked ' life seeped out to emptiness.....'

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  10. A beautifully collection of words with great meaning and encouragement for all. well done both!

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  11. What a joy to view all of your gracious comments.

    Jo and I believe that this obscure form has much to offer contemporary poetry: simplicity of form, strength of message.

    Blessings to all.

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  12. Very lovely, this Holy Week before Easter. Thank you both
    for sharing!

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  13. Thank you, Isha, for the following--

    The music in this poem makes me think of the "Music of the Spheres" which plays unceasingly when we listen closely. It's a joyful poem "His face in all things" says it all. These two poets express that so well.

    Yours sincerely
    Isha Wagner

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  14. Isha,

    Your sensitive reading and comment is much appreciated. In a hurting world we poets have, something to offer: "His face reflected in all things."

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  15. Thank you both for sharing your well written collaborative poem, Mary and Michel! Have a great and happy Easter!

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  16. Oh my goodness! Michael and Mary Jo, what a beautiful Double Etheree! It touched my soul deeply as I related to every word. I just wrote in a comment on another poem, how I deeply desire to reflect the light of Christ. Your poem was just another confirmation of the rightness of my desire. desire. Thank you for your combined talents.
    Love, Charlene

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  17. Dear Charlene,
    What a gracious comment and your desire is ours as well.
    Blessings and love, Jo

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