This poem was inspired by a thunderstorm, with my aching physical body matching the beating of the rain against the house. I’ll never tire of the sound of rain. Peels of thunder with waves of rain pelting against the windows does something deep in my soul. But it is hard to fully enjoy the sounds when the same storm wreaks havoc inside my body—tightening muscles and twisting joints as pain spreads. These days make the pain so loud sometimes.
But I keep pressing forward, I hold my head above the water, and I trust in the One who will not let me drown.
the mighty willow
i feel the rain a steady rhythm each drop pounding to match the cadence of the throbbing in my joints
the beauty of it all the glistening landscape the rhythmic drumming as it hammers the roof then cascades off into shimmering pools on the ground beneath
thunder bellows cracking the sky shaking the walls as new ripples of pain cascade inside my body coursing through my spine
such beauty and power colliding head on nourishing the earth torturing my body
the rain beckons come and rest the ache wins out
choosing life i shift my gaze looking up begging for grace i fight back grasping for peace and i endure
i may not discover who i once was before the pain leeched the life away i may live my days in a broken body battered by storms
but i’ll still be standing like a mighty willow bent and bowed as seasons keep changing i’ll weather it all kept by his grace held with his love
Sending love and prayers for gentle days ahead to everyone fighting a silent battle today. May His grace keep you, and may His love hold you close.
Jamie
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