Shawl - Poem

Shawl

A father lifted protective shawl

off his shoulders

To gently drape

onto crown of departing daughter

His heart and love wrapped

into one little bundle

round her face

then to each side

one fringed edge atop the other

finally tucked over her shoulder

Covered against world's icy chill

Gray homespun cloth of no particular worth

now held his greatest treasure on earth

Moist lingering gaze

bestow cherished blessing

And plant within each of their hearts

prophetic threads that weave and bind

through unmeasured distance

of eternal place and time

Scene stirs remembrance

of a sacred pattern

and veiled moment

near Kolob's door

When glorious Father there bid good bye

with moistened eyes and anointed blessing

upon His beloved child

leaving for earth's distant shore

Who one day upon her temple shelf

like protective shawl

discovered garment and robe

pure white

shield from world's bitter foe

With apron, sash and flowing veil

He covers and crowns her head

with power, glory and light

Christ, the anointed

bearing marks

direction and pathway straight

Beckons to follow Him

back to Father in Heaven's heart and home

Enveloped within His shining place

and His tender love's embrace

Janice Harten

3 Mar 2024

Morning Dew - Poem

 

Morning Dew

Peace of morning grant me while the earth is still

As quiet light rises upon my windowsill

Gentle warm breeze floats my whispered prayer

Along ethereal wave toward heaven's ear

Thoughts lodge in deep corners of the heart

Private wonderings and ponderings about life's part

Awe distills and covers like morning dew

Glimpse through cloudy windows clearing view

Janice Harten

8 Jul 2023

Wave Strategy - Poem

Wave Strategy

Wave wanders and washes up sandy shore
Trickles backward, popping bubbles in trenches
Where weapon wielding crabs prepare for war
Rattling grains trickle, roll and erase
Bird claw and child footprint place

Again, torrent tumbles
Breaching drawbridge and castle mote
Then gradually retreats
Toward unlimited reinforcements, to gloat
Tumbling tide rushes forward, attempting to capture it whole
Down dives side tower
Leaving remnant of shell armor
Which rumbles and rolls
At last, swollen tsunami crashes, dissolving walls and gated doors
Conquered fortress succumbs and finally is no more
Lump of ruins barely visible
On smooth sandy shore

New day brings new battle
As armed and steady
Knighted child wields shovel and colorful bucket ready
Mote dug, mounded bulwarks, peaked towers, flag anew
Foaming breaker restlessly waits within sunlit view
Forming master tide, wind and storm strategy
To rearrange, remove and conquer new enemy

By Janice Harten 23 Sep 2022

Flufferella - Poem

Flufferella

Flufferella the hamster went missing

Traps with treats were made enticing

They searched day and night

Hoping to grab her in flight

But lo she eluded all in spite of wishing

Then one day fair maid went washing

When low near her feet she spotted

The swift fluffy critter

As it scampered and skittered

What a dance betwixt rodent and laden maiden

Within minutes thereafter rose a squeal

From a young'un near peanut butter's appeal

For lo she did find

Flufferella divine

Back home from her adventure surreal

Janice Harten

19 Jul 2021

Singed - Poem

Singed

How long must I be in the midst of this fire

like Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego?

(Four appeared conversing there)

I cry out! - Unlike them, I am singed

With flames creeping higher, higher - 

Thy will?

Then purify my feet, my arms, my head

Consume earthly wrongs

Sear my doubts

Char pride's muscle that binds me to man

Scrape ground, blackened by fear carbon

Fill me with light to see what was hidden

Kindle flare of radiant hope

Cauterize weeping sorrow

Shadowy ash mark my cremation

Scattered dust returned to creation

Coal embers glow with God's grace

Memory of sin and error permanently erase

Come tomorrow, blaze bursts brighter still

But when I plead, "No more!"

Heat rises more intense than before

Evermore brilliant than sun at noonday

Impurities liquefy and melt away

Becoming Love's translucent cosmic ray

Janice Harten

18 Nov 2020

Palette - Poem

Palette

Saturated puddle of rich, ripe pigmentation

Mop, swirl, plummet then fling across horizon

Dart, pause, hover midst billowy cushion

Enchanting below, textured peaks and ponds with gem potion

True hues shame amateur's trial rendering

Breathless highlight or purple shadow gradually surrendering

To sparkling ribbon strands flung far and wide

Strewn nightglow beckons glorious surprise

Slowly veiled by glistening morning dew

Artist prepares grand canvas anew

Janice Harten

2 Nov 2020

Shiloh - Poem

Shiloh

Here, an unexpected guest finds His way

Small meal of fish, soft avocado, crust of bread

I hastily array

His body weary pauses for a moment to rest

Chin dips in momentary private prayer, only

closed eyes remain resting there

Hesitant to disturb, eventually I wait to find

awakened, His bright blue gaze meets mine

Reassurance accompanies gentle smile

With unspoken understanding to stay for a while

Thoughtful question invites exchange and contemplation

As dripped honey dresses bread in golden creation

His stories draw laughter and thoughtful instruction

midst black olives, goat cheese and sweet plum crimson

Gentle breeze cools, waves across cream chair

Linger, I silently pray, sensing His departure drawing near

Warm glow, fresh calm in my heart long to remain

Not knowing when He might return again

Long He's been gone from meal hastily prepared

But gentle wind, food, feelings and lessons linger

I sense quiet blessing earlier bestowed

Upon my open, faithful and grateful household

Whose stonewalls, wooden table and simple cloth chair

Still welcome Shiloh's warm, calm presence here

Janice Harten

7 Mar 2021