The Lord has blessed me with wonderful gifts,
He has shown His love for me in many ways,
However, there are three of which today,
I am most especially grateful.
After years of searching for someone,
To fill the enormous size 8 shoes,
Of my Pop who taught me about faith,
God has shown me, His marvelous love.
Father Pat's gift of blindness,
Teaches me to see with my soul,
His fantastic accomplishments,
Makes me feel like I can fly.
Father Ron's gift of support,
Gives me the strength and the fortitude,
To pursue my hopes and dreams,
To share my love of the Lord.
Father Kent's gift of courage,
Shows me how to overcome,
My shyness and fear of people,
And is coaxing me out of my shell.
Together their gifts are a beacon,
To those of us in the darkness,
Giving us all the perseverance,
To follow the footprints in the sand.
July 28, 2006
FYI - This Poem Gift was in the front of every Purple Poetry Path Booklet (Volumes 1-8)
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
--Matthew 5:16
God has given me the gift of His words,
To share with others in the world,
The messages He wants to be heard.
My life has been spent hiding,
From angry, frustrated parents,
Who lost sight of the Lord.
Protected and sheltered,
From peers who mock and tease,
Leaving scars difficult to heal.
Concealed in a modern day shell,
Feeling invisible to the world,
Safe inside the bubble.
Until the day the bubble burst,
And God's love came pouring in,
Washing free the guilt of time.
Stand in the light my precious one,
Was what He said to me,
Shine forth my gifts for all to see.
So, here I stand open and vulnerable,
Showing my love of the Lord, my God,
Sharing His words for all to hear.
July 28, 2006
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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New day
New year
New life
Old roads
New paths
New adventures
Old acquaintances
New friends
New relationships
Old challenges
New struggles
New growth
Old habits
New patterns
Infinite possibilities
December 28, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The world cane be so cold
God's love shields us
HE opens doors
Closed upon us by others.
God's love is real
Those who trust in HIM
Receive abundance
HE gives us all we need.
Even when we turn from HIM
Closing our minds and hearts
All HE asks for is a chance
To melt our anger with HIS love.
Those broken by the world
Can turn to the Lord
HE will heal their pain
And turn their sorrow into joy.
Those who truly believe
Those that give HIM their heart
Nothing is impossible
Their world is wide open.
HE loves us so much
And wants to heal our brokenness
HE wait patiently
Beyond the open door.
October 12, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The two met at the base of the mountain
Although they both had some experience
Neither one was an advanced climber
But they both wanted an adventure.
The path started out as all paths do,
Easy to being with,
But over time it became more challenging.
Pebbles became stones.
Stones became rocks.
Rocks became ledges.
They start out individually.
Each doing their own thing,
They stuck up a conversation,
Soon they were walking together along the path.
The sun was shining and the breeze was light
They exchanged stories of previous climbs
Although their climbs were very different
They both had been hurt before
Their falls were frightening
Each had sustained serious injuries
Both physical and emotional
But they were willing to try again.
They met other climbers as they hiked up the mountain.
Some passed them as they went up,
Others were coming back down,
Some even walked with the pair for a while.
Watching the pair from a distance was a third person.
HE has been watching them when they first met.
The woman knew HE was there, but the man did not.
They started out individually
Each doing their own thing
They struck up a conversation
Soon they were walking together along the path
Watching the pair from a distance was a third person
HE had been watching them when they first met
The woman knew HE was there, but the man did not.
As the terrain became stepper,
They used their ropes and pulleys,
Each had to rely on the other.
The safe spots varied
Sometimes the lead was short
Sometimes it was long
When she had the lead, she implored God's help
Therefore, she pulled him almost effortlessly up the mountain
He just assumed she was not working as much as he was
Although he had the best equipment money could buy,
He talked about buying more.
More equipment would help him to climb better.
The air changed and fog enveloped them.
“I would love to get my bachelor''s degree.”
He heard her say through the mist.
He was in control and she allowed it.
Because she was taking longer than he thought she should,
He panicked and let go of the rope.
She saw her dreams crashing on the rocks below.
She fell but only sprained her ankle.
God cushioned her fall.
She got up and they continued to climb.
He complained because she was not leading enough.
He only thought of himself.
The path became quiet and peaceful.
Contentment settled over the mountain.
He was bored.
He became distant and shut her out
He consulted with his friends on the path
He only wanted the action and the glory.
“Climbing is not fun anymore,” he said
“I never really liked it in the first place
It is not what I expected it would be.”
God was with her when he abandoned her
HE encouraged her to start a new adventure
With HIS help, her pain slowly began to heal.
She wondered how he was doing
He was walking down the mountain,
A strange woman was leading him.
She looked back up at the mountain,
Her feet felt as light as air
She turned and began to climb on her new path.
September 17, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The child needs to break from its parents
In order to become independent
So the spirit can grow.
Each part of the partnership
Needs to break down
In order to become one.
A loaf of bread
Needs to be broken
Before it can be eaten.
A full cup of tea
Can not attain more
Unless some is given up.
In order to grow
Old ways have to go
So new ones can be learned.
The cocoon needs to be broken
The larvae must crawl out
So it can become a butterfly.
God breaks us down
Testing us and challenging us
Filling the void with HIS love.
Just as Jesus died on the cross
So, too, must we die
So God can give us new life.
June 22, 1998
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The ebb and flow of love
It's in giving love
That we receive love
Mother's love for her child
Comes no matter
What the child does
The love of partners
Takes two parts
To make a partnership
Selfishness and ego
Two whole parts
Trying to make one
Together they
Serve no purpose
But loneliness and pain
Each part has their strengths
Each part has their weaknesses
Together they make a whole
Problems and challenges
Worked through together
Bring the two parts closer
Each day is different
Today one leads and the other follows
Tomorrow the leadership changes
The sea of love
Controlled by the moon and stars
Comes and goes, but never fades.
April 4, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Anchor heart
Pressure chamber lungs
Tree moving breathe
Dark gray fog
Rolls over mind
Traffic slows to snail pace
The loss of someone you love
The loss of ego
The loss of a way of life
Tears push over the floodgates
Torrential downpours
Endless flow
Muted minutes
Life as we know it
Ceases to exist
Behind the scenes
God's work continues
HE has a plan
Self must die
So the new can emerge
This is God's way
April 2, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Mother left when I was two.
Game back for visits until I was ten.
Then they stopped.
Never really knew my father.
He had no time for me.
Fast cars and fast women were his thing.
Gram was a perfectionist
She wanted a dainty girlie girl.
I was a clumsy clod.
Peers made fun of me.
I lived with grandparents.
I was adopted.
My first ex was abusive.
First verbally, then physically.
She moved in the week after I left.
My second discarded me.
Dumped like yesterday's garbage.
She moved in before my stuff was even gone.
Shyness is my defense
Solitude is my companion.
God knows my pain.
March 31, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Each of us have our daily struggles
We dream our dreams
We ask for God's help.
One day just as things are beginning to crest
The goal is on the horizon
Our boat suddenly springs a leak.
Then it's time for the life boat
The life preserver - just in case
And a prayer that God is with us.
We go over the side
Into the dark unknown waters
Hopeful that we will prevail.
The seas are high
The wind is strong
Our resolve wanes.
God gives to those who are strong
All HE asks in return
Unconditional love.
The storm subsides
The sun comes out
And God is by our side
March 31, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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God speaks to us through words
Love
Forgiveness
Kindness
Compassion
God hears us through actions
Prayer
Mass
Rosary
Meditation
God helps us through people
Parents
Friends
Enemies
Lovers
God shows us his mercy through miracles
Five loaves and two fish
Healing the sick
The crippled walk
The blind see
God shows us his beauty through nature
Rainbows
Rainstorms
Sunshine
Stars
God teaches us through lessons
Patience
Illness
Grief
Loneliness
God shows us his love through grace
Abundance
Joy
Peace
Love
March 17, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The Dictator wants to see me
I walk up the steps of the city hall
It is now his office.
The friendly gothic structure
Has become ominous
It's stone facade looms over me.
The massive front doors
With their large ornate handles
Swing open at my touch.
The foyer is lightless
Stale air invades my nose
My eyes adjust to the dark.
Ahead of me is another door
It's ten feet tall and made of mahogany
The tarnished brass handles beckon.
The door swings open without a sound
To reveal a long empty corridor
My steps fall soundlessly.
And the end of the corridor is another door
This one is sturdy oak
Dark and plain.
Behind it, another long corridor
The paneled walls are smooth
My feet glide over the hardwood floor.
Many doors and many corridors
Until I finally enter a large room
A windowless, stifling room.
In one corner is an old fashioned tripod camera
A faceless man stands beside it
Holding the t-square flash.
I stand with my back against the wall
The flash blinds me
I stand immobile while the lens opens and closes.
A moment frozen in time
Today my picture
Tomorrow the gas chamber.
My old life has ended
A new one has begun
I walk through a new door.
The dictators are gone
Grandmother, ex-husbands
Lovers and friends.
Some I created
Some I allowed
All because I would not listen to my heart.
I am no longer a slave to others
I have become strong
God has healed my pain.
HE has given me a new life
New courage to stand up for myself
I am no longer subservient.
My old life is dead
A new adventure is ahead of me
God walks with me.
March 8, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Dance of life
One leads, one follows
Control and submission
Music of the heart
Feet follow
Blood pumping beat
Gliding across the glass
Two people together as one
Becoming one with the music
Twirling and turning
Around and around
Repeating a pattern
Passionate and sultry
Quick and fast
Slow and methodical
Ring around the rosy
Youthful hip-hop
Weathered waltzes
Many choices, many partners
Parents, siblings, lovers
Father, Son, Holy Spirit
February 29, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Morning dawns
Prayer or shower
Food or fast
Exercise faith or body
Pray later.
Busy day at work
Phones and email
Meetings and appointments
Mail to be answered
Pray later.
Home from work
Dinner and dishes
Unwind in front of the TV
Pay bills
Pray later.
Jesus waits
He will not forget you
He is patience personified
He loves you
Pray now.
February 29, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Mired in mud
Unable to move
Stagnant
Fear of the unknown
Fear of failure
Fear of the future
Bone chilling fear
Mind numbing fear
Frozen in time fear
Safety in the past
Home and history
Safe as a pillar of salt
Remember the good times
Release the nightmares
Move on
Let Go -- Let God
Live for today - yesterday is a memory
Tomorrow is a gift
A new adventure beckons
New horizons to conquer
Unlimited possibilities
Give God the reins
Acknowledge His wisdom
Follow His plan
Forgiveness of the past
Acceptance of the future
HE will show us the way.
February 22, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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dull ache
heavy heart
listless
sun-less sunset
dark sunrise
dry rainy day
song-less birds
scent-less flowers
leaf-less trees
finger-less gloves
sole-less shoes
leg-less pants
head-less dolls
wheel-less trucks
color-less crayons
glass-less windows
roof-less home
door-less entryway
path-less journey
end-less tunnel
dry river bed
sun-less days
moon-less nights
time-less minutes
sound-less cries
pain and agony
death on a cross
February 16, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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God fills my lonely heart with love
He comforts me
He makes me feel whole.
His love makes me strong
Slaying the dragons in my mind
Demons vanquished, my mind is at peace
Over the boundaries of time
His love is immortal
True unconditional love.
A companion, a lover, a father
He walks my path with me
My steps are light and carefree.
I see His face
I hear His voice
I feel Him next to me.
He is tall and majestic
His voice is sweet and melodious
His presence is calming.
His eyes are soft and caring
His skin glows
His lips are the essence of love.
We walk silently side by side
Wordlessly speaking volumes
He teaches me His ways.
The journey is long
Each day is an eternity
His love carries me through.
January 19, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Two friends in a green eden.
One was an oak, study and tall,
Who stood over a blanket of blueish purple forget me nots.
The other, a willow, timid and unsure,
Who helped shade a fragrant white bed of lilies of the valley
They were together, for better or worse.
Winds had blown about,
And they withstood the rain and snow
They weather two winters,
And basked in the sultry sun of two summers.
However, one cold dreary fall day,
From out of nowhere, came a hurricane.
Freight train winds came crashing through.
The day was as dark as night.
The night flashed as bright as day.
The storm left as abruptly as it came.
The sun came up and the forest was silent.
Willow was alone.
All that was left behind was a huge gaping hole.
The sturdy, powerful oak was gone.
The blanket of blueish purple forget me nots
Seemed to weep over the colossal cavity
The velvet hooded lilies of the valley
weeped over the loss.
No one could believe what had happened.
The huge oak with its unyielding ways
Could not stand up to the storms
While in the end
It was the flexible willow
who turned out to be the strong one
January 1, 2004
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Moaning and groaning
Coming from the depths
White wonder
Cold and sterile
Bright light from above
Heat melting cold
Creating many layers
Always changing
New layers forming
Old ones melting away
Each term a new layer
Replaces the old
Top layer changes constantly
Sometimes rough and cracked
Other times smooth as silk
Sometimes naked - sometimes covered
Over time the layers disappear
Gone but never forgotten
Returning again when the cold north winds
Transform the lake once again.
December 27, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Christmas is family time.
Making memories.
Sharing love and good tidings.
Room filled with presents.
Tinsel trimmed tree.
Bountiful feast overflowing the table.
But what those with no families?
Hollow memories.
No love to share.
No presents.
No tree.
No food on the table.
They share their love with a baby.
Born in a manager.
One cold winter's eve.
The baby provides presents.
Gaily decorated trees.
Banquet for all those who are hungry.
December 27, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Luminous orb reflecting off diamond studded velvet
Warm or cold
Slivers of silver slicing through a black satin sky
Light or dark
Wintry wind howling and moaning
Deafening or peaceful
Ominous oak overlooking the scene
Young or old
White capped water whispering its secrets
Private or public
Mother Nature reveals
Change or stagnation
December 16, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Male and Female
Ying and Yang
Acceptance
Knowing their past
Feeling their pain
Understanding their choices
Walking their path
Seeing their demons
Forgiveness
Unconventional
Unconditional
Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself
November 25, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Friendship
mirrors
growth
memories
Family
guidance
protection
history
Forgiveness
ultimate goal
no ego
unconditional love
Forever
friendship
family
forgiveness
God's love
October 27, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Life and death
Light and dark
Good and evil
Lessons to learn
Advance and retreat
Strong or weak
Asleep or awake
Choices
God and/or Godless
Help and/or helpless
Hope and/or hopeless
Faith
September 1, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
Back to Poetry Links
We do we grieve?
For death is but a transformation
A trip from one world to another
To loose one's physical form
To be free of pain and suffering.
But what of those left behind?
The one with saddened hearts
Missing their loved ones
Wanting to touch their face
Aching to hold them in their arms
To look into their eyes just once more.
Why are we angry?
Anger at being left behind
Having to carry on alone
We turn on our fiends and even God
We don't understand
How could HE have allowed this to happen.
The only question we really need to ask
Is for God to help us
Give us the light to see the truth
The strength to understand
The hope to know it's for the best
And the faith to carry us to tomorrow.
September 1, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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It's 5:00 am and the pale light that proceeds the sun gently glides over the gray sky.
The air on the deck is Granny Smith crisp.
My feet leave their mark as they absorb the cool dew of the deck.
The wind whistles through the pines like a lover's words whispered in my ear.
A branch from the sapling sprouting its wings beside the deck gently caresses my face.
The breeze ruffles across my head like weathered fingers running through my hair.
The chill I feel disappears as I imagine strong athletic arms wrapped around me.
I inhale the musky fragrance of his cologne.
His deep, gravely voice calms and soothes me.
I close my eyes and I am all alone on the beach.
The sun is glistening gently off the water.
The sand is warm and sifts through my toes as I walk.
A gallant white horse approaches me.
His rider is tall and dark.
A deep crimson robe flies behind him as he rides toward me.
He charges past and sweeps me off my feet.
He holds me close as we gallop down the beach.
The spray from the horse's hooves fans out behind us.
I wonder who the tall dark rider is.
I feel so comfortable and safe in his arms.
I turn and look into the face of Jesus and know that I am loved.
July 13, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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A new adventure is unfolding,
God has opened another door,
The light beckons me.
Change, my constant companion,
Walks beside me
Helping me over rough terrain.
The new path is bumpy,
Uneven, filled with pot holes,
But it's also lined with beauty.
Dark, dusty coal behind me,
Bright blue sapphires ahead,
I forge onward.
I follow the light from above,
The beacon that illuminates the dark,
The path becomes easier.
Each day bring new wonders,
Miracles surround us all,
All HE asks is that we open our eyes.
July 6, 2003
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Voices lift to the heavens and rain down,
as a icy fire that melts cold hearts,
and inflames sleeping passions.
Melodies that rise like eagles and,
drop down like feathers,
that help the tentative and the strong,
sing together as one.
Drawn by the music,
magnificent angels join the choir,
combining light and music,
they create a celestrial harmony.
Angels brush the keys,
giving life to unborn songs,
and timeless melodies seem radiant,
with rhythms that everyone loves.
Giving hope and intialling peace,
everyone is transported to another dimension,
where music is the key,
to a world of love.
July 28, 2006
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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He has his Masters.
He was unable to go for his Ph.D.
She quit trying to get her Bachelor's.
She wanted to help out.
He was unhappy.
He bought a house.
He immediately wanted to change it.
She liked it the way it was.
She was glad to have a home.
He was unhappy.
He was healthy.
He came down with a cold.
She had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
She tried not to complain.
He was unhappy.
He was never home.
He occasionally did his own laundry.
She tried to keep the house clean.
She mowed knee high grass.
He was unhappy.
He wanted his own practice.
He quit his job with insurance.
She was laid off from her job.
She tried to get a new job.
He was unhappy.
He told her she only needed to work part-time.
He really wanted her to work full time.
She thought he meant what he said.
She never knew the truth.
He was unhappy.
He told her to wait for the right job.
He told her not work for less than $10.
She was willing to work for $9.
She told the temp agencies her limit was $10.
He was unhappy.
He getting calls from bill collectors.
He told her to get a job at McDonald's.
She has a couple of good job prospects.
She knew there was a job for her.
He was unhappy.
He crashed their "marriage" bus.
He was driving his own bus.
She was thrown out of her bus.
She watched as his evil twin took over.
He was unhappy.
He wanted a divorce.
He was concerned everything was in his name.
She was taken for granted.
She became invisible.
He was happy.
December 6, 2001
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Communication is the key
That unlocks the soul
That breaks down the walls
Surrounding the heart.
The courage to revel innermost thoughts
To share secrets and dreams
Transports couples to new territory
The path to a new adventure.
Reaching out and asking for help
Requires the strength of Atlas
Some fly with the speed of Hermes to safety
Only to find their net was only a mirage.
The journey is not an easy one
Many lessons line the course
Many forks and crossroads from which to choose
The travelers choose which ones to take.
The students select the lessons they've studied for
And pray they pass the test
The travelers accept the higher they climb
The more difficult the challenges become
The wisdom and knowledge they acquire
Offset the discomforts they must bear
The adventures accept and understand
Their journey is the one true goal.
November 23, 2001
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The pain in my heart
is tearing me apart
the thoughts in my head
make me wish I were dead.
The pain I feel
is all too real
it hurts so much
it's painful to touch.
I walk around in a daze
I feel like I'm in a maze
I can't seem to think
I don't want to eat or drink.
I cry every day
I see no other way
I know I need to stop
I feel like a rag mop.
I try to look on the bright side
I can't help but see the dark side
I am surrounded with despair
I wonder if anyone really cares.
I feel as though I've fallen into a big hole
I wonder if I'll live the rest of my life as a mole
I want to get out
I'm overwhelmed with doubt.
I see a bright light
I struggle with all my might
I see there is a reason and a plan
I know God is here to help all he can.
All I need to do
is to pray and to be true
to myself and to my loved ones
my stuggles will be overcome.
May 25, 1999
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Friendships
old and new
Friendships
tried and true
Friendships
good and bad
Friendships
happy and sad
Friendships
love and caring
Friendships
compassion and understanding
April 25, 1999
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
Back to Poetry Links
To Be Added Later
March 30, 1999
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The eyes of man see
a birth defect.
The eyes of God see
a birth perfection.
The eyes of man see
a child beater.
The eyes of God see
a beaten child.
The eyes of man see
a criminal.
The eyes of God see
a troubled person.
The eyes of man see
a garbage collector
The eyes of God see
an honest worker.
The eyes of man see
a gay person.
The eyes of God see
a loving person.
The eyes of man see
a hobo.
The eyse of God see
a world traveler.
The eyes of man see
a homeless person.
The eyes of God see
a needy person.
The eyes of man see
a juvenile delinquent.
The eyes of God see
a neglected child.
The eyes of man see
a losing team.
The eyes of God see
a team with potential.
The eyes of man see
a poor person.
The eyes of God see
a rich person.
The eyes of man see
a prostitute.
The eyes of God see
a woman looking for love.
The eyes of man see
an overweight person.
The eyes of God see
a kind person.
The eyes of man see
someone unemployed.
The eyes of God see
someone searching for direction.
The eyes of man see
colored skin.
The eyes of God see
a rainbow.
The eyes of man see
a welfare mother.
The eyes of God see
a woman doing her best.
The eyes of man see
senior citizens.
The eyes of God see
unappreciated treasures.
The eyes of man see
old fashioned
The eyes of God see
timeless.
The eyes of man see
slow.
The eyes of God see
gifted.
The eyes of man see
limited
The eyes of God see
unimited
The eyes of man see
ugly
The eyes of God see
beautiful.
The eyes of man see
love
The eyes of God see
unconditional love.
March 14, 1999
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Scattered along the beach
Moving with the tide
Rolling with the flow
Many sizes and colors
Pure shells
Royal shells
Social shells
Reclusive shells
Some healthy and whole
Blessings from the universe
Some chipped and brittle
Casualties of the system
Some lost without direction
Not knowing if they are coming or going
Some with a vision and a plan
To do their share to help the world
Some hidden in the sand
Staying in the background
Some visible for all to see
Sharing their vision with the world
Whether lost or found
Whether hidden or visible
No matter what shape or color
Being able to make a difference
February 27, 1999
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The winds were calm and light
The sky was clear and blue
The sun was warm and bright
The day was uneventful
However, as evening approached
The barometer began to drop.
The clouds were moving in.
The sky was getting gray.
She did not see the signs.
Soon the day was gone.
The evening was here.
The air was changing.
Out of nowhere came the storm.
She was not prepared
The storm was too strong.
Gale force winds
She was blown about like a rag doll.
She had no control.
Torrential downpour
The rain came steaming down
She could not stop it.
Big threatening storm clouds
Covered over the sky.
She was could not see.
Deafening thunder
Rocked through the skies
She could not hear.
Bolts of lightening
Sudden flashes of light
She felt as if her head would explode.
The air was dense.
Heavy and smothering
She could not breathe.
Trees were falling
Limbs were all around her
She could not run.
The storm was everywhere
It was all around
She was trapped
She could not take it anymore.
She knew she had to do something.
She felt so helpless.
She screamed.
She pushed at the storm.
She fought back.
Suddenly the storm stopped.
She hesitated
Was she doing the right thing?
She was confused.
The storm was beginning again.
The eye was past.
She knew the storm would return.
The storm has no remorse.
She ran as fast as she could.
She heard the storm behind her.
The ground was cold
She stopped and looked back
This time the storm was helpless.
She was finally free!
February 27, 1999
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Thank you Lord
for giving me a love to share
for giving me a heart to care
Thank you Lord
for the chance to give
or my life to live.
Thank you Lord
for giving me a voice to sing
for angel's wings and other heavenly things.
Thank you Lord
for helping me to feel
for knowing what is real.
Thank you Lord
for a world filled with love
for the pleasure of seeing a dove.
Thank you Lord
for giving me my dreams
for showing me what they mean.
Thank you Lord
for the literature that I have read
for the poetry that comes into my head.
Thank you Lord
for the words that you give to me
for a way to help others feel free.
Thank you Lord
for giving me good health
for showering me with wealth.
Thank you Lord
for giving me more than money can buy
for the earth - the wind - and the sky.
Thank you Lord
for my family and my friends
for their support that never ends.
Thank you Lord
for giving me every day
for showing me the way.
February 14, 1999
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Reaching into the darkness
Retrieving the memories stored there
Removing the tape that binds them
Disturbing the dust that has settled there
Opening up and bringing in the light.
Memories long forgotten
Some painful, some happy
Mementos from childhood days
Treasures from happy times
Re-lived emotions and feelings from the past.
What to toss out and what to keep?
Needing to travel light
Traveling a new path
Leaving the past behind
Moving onto a new life.
Leaving behind the physical remains
Keeping the memories
We never really forget
Memories stay with us forever
Molding us into who we are today.
July 21, 1998
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Some days the path is clear,
you ride easily.
Other days it is strewn with obstacles,
you ride carefully.
Some days the road is smooth,
you glide along effortlessly.
Other days it is filled with speed bumps,
you bounce along slowly.
Some days you ride slow,
smelling the flowers as you go.
Other days you burn up the road,
trying to beat the clock.
Some days the traffic is heavy,
you hurry up and wait.
Other days there is no one else on the road,
you sail along briskly.
Some days the wind is at your back,
pushing you forward.
Other days it is in your face,
impeding all forward movement.
Some days the sun is shining,
helping brighten your day.
Other days it is behind the clouds,
forcing you to use your own light.
Some days you ride up hill,
striving and pushing.
Other days it is down hill,
relaxing and coasting.
Some days you pedal,
learning about independence.
Other days you use the motor,
learning about dependence.
Whatever the road and weather conditions,
you are never alone.
It could be woodland nymphs,
bringing peace and joy.
It could be spirit guides,
bringing wisdom and learning.
It could be guardian angels,
bringing faith and courage.
They tag along to keep you company,
and help you on your journey.
Flying behind to push you,
along the smooth roads and with the wind behind you.
Flying ahead to encourage you,
along the rough roads and through the tough weather.
Some days riding on your shoulders,
as you coast along.
June 22, 1998
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Sometimes I wonder
why I have chosen the paths that I have.
There are times when I feel sorry for myself because
my life has not been easy. Then I see people who lives
are infinitely worse than mine and I am thankful
for all the gifts that I have been given.
I have done the best I could.
Sometimes I wonder
why my parents abandoned me
at such an early age. It was an epoch when divorce
was not common. I was viewed as someone
to be pitied. How could my parents do this to me?
They were doing the best they could.
Sometimes I wonder
why my grandmother was such a tyrant.
She really believed it was in my best interests
that she make all my decisions for me. She was trying
to make my life easier.
She was doing the best she could.
Sometimes I wonder
why my grandfather allowed my grandmother
to be so domineering. He loved her. He understood
what she needed and did step in
when she went too far.
He was doing the best he could.
Sometimes I wonder
why my mother only raised
one of her six children. She left them behind because of circumstances
she felt were beyond her control. Like me, she allowed other people
to dictate to her and make her decisions for her.
She was doing the best she could.
Sometimes I wonder
why my father refuses
to have any contact with me. He is afraid. He is unable to take any
responsibility for his own actions and needs to blame
someone for his unhappiness.
He is doing the best he can.
Sometimes I wonder
why my older brother
is so angry. He truly hates
our grandparents. Like his father
he is afraid to take responsibility.
He is doing the best he can.
Sometimes I wonder
why my younger brother
is so much like the older brother
he has never even seen. He too is afraid and is using his religion
as a shield to keep people away. He is unaware of what he is doing.
He is doing the best he can.
Sometimes I wonder
why I married the man I did. I was searching for
the love I could not get from my grandparents. I was too naive
to understand the difference between my grandmother’s dominance
and the dominance of a troubled man.
I was doing the best I could.
Sometimes I wonder
why I did not see the signs. I was not a drinker and so did not
understand what the boundaries were. I do not know what made
one a social drinker and the other an alcoholic.
I was doing the best I could.
Sometimes I wonder
why my ex-husband beat me up. After he did it
he told the marriage counselor that he
felt no remorse. He could not admit
he was an alcoholic with a problem.
He was doing the best he could.
Sometimes I wonder
why I am so different.
Why am I stronger? Why have I chosen
to accept my fate and even to be thankful?
I am doing the best I can.
Sometimes I wonder
why gifts can be viewed as either painful or joyful.
Some gifts seem to be painful. But that is
only because they are worth more. The joyful gifts are
easy to understand.
It is the painful ones that help us to grow.
My faith in God and my love for my neighbor
have been my greatest gifts. I have learned
to appreciate all the gifts I have received - the
painful and the joyful. I have been given a
wonderful sight. The ability
to see past the pain to the joy. I want to help others
to see through my eyes, to share my hope with those
who have been blinded by their pain.
March 1, 1999
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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