Having lunch the other day with a fellow author, I became interested in a poem she had written. Grieving the loss of a family member she shared the difficulty of writing during this period. The poem she shared with us seemed so appropriate for the Lenten season, and I asked if she would mind if I posted her poem on my website blog. She said yes.
When she sent me the poem, I was blown away by the depth of love and creative talent that went into writing this poem.
Darlene Dubay, is not just another would-be writer. I had the privilege of doing a book review of her book, The Tales of Two Sisters, available on Amazon.com. a few years ago. Follow the 2 links to see her website, and to read the review.
As authors and Christians, I am privileged to post Darlene’s poem as this week’s blog during Holy Week. The picture above was taken by a very talented photographer friend of mine, Maria Kumlander, who lives in California.
Tree of Hope
I remember being a seed, full of hope, dreaming.
I would be the tallest tree, and proud.
Then, thrust into the ground, I shuddered.
Darkness overcame me and I broke.
No longer latent, I began to search for light.
Yet wanting to be anchored, I thrust my fingers deeper into ground.
They laughed at me as I broke free.
“A twig,” they said: Insignificant nothing.
Yet I dreamed of becoming—magnificent I’d stand, towering above—mighty.
When finally ready I would be mercifully cut to become
A pillar, strong and straight to hold the weight of majesty aloft.
Or maybe I would be fashioned as a cradle,
Holding precious life, or toy or tureen—useful—
bringing pleasure by being used.
I did not fear the saw; it was a long way off.
But when it finally came. I cried,
“No, let me grow a little more. I want to be the biggest and the best.
I want my glorious form to be admired.”
I lay there on the ground, helpless—
My fate in the hands of those who ripped me from my roots.
It did no good to protest. My voice could not be heard.
Lying prostrate, I imagined what I would become.
It was not good. Their evil tones were hinting shame and disgrace.
“No!” I cried. “I did not grow for this.”
My limbs were ripped and nailed into a form
So horrible—degrading—a mockery of what was meant to be.
Bitter nails drove into my flesh,
But worse was yet to come.
Dragged and carried in my ugly form, I tried my best to help the struggling one,
But felt my weight grow heavier with each step.
Then on the top of that ignominious hill,
They laid me prostrate to accept my fate.
I felt his flesh caress the roughness of my bark.
I groaned in shame that I would be the one
To lift His whipped and trampled body far aloft for all to see.
I felt the spikes drive precious flesh and blood into my wood.
Helpless, there I stood, as I was lifted with my treasure.
Oh, the shame! The agony! The jeering crowds saying,
“It’s the end. His suffering has no meaning. ”
All is lost. What victory lies in death?
What justice shines through bitter clouds of hate?
I felt his spirit leave and fear of being discarded racked my being.
The coldness of his absence permeated me
And I wished for burning fires of purification.
Better to be cleansed than to lie rotting in the dirt.
The emptiness of my ugly form was wretched. I watched them haul him off—just another lifeless piece of flesh.
And me? I only hoped that I could fade to nothing.
On the third day, though, he returned.
He held me close and promised—what?
I could not comprehend.
“I live,” he said. “I am alive forever.”
“How can it be?” I cried. “I felt your soul’s anguish
And despair. I know the emptiness of your departing.
I never want to be the one who displays
Your trampled, lifeless body up for all to see.”
He held me closer then and I knew it had to be this way.
My gift of self will be forever a symbol of great love.
My collaboration in his plan will always be
The means to life eternal.
I’m honored. I am cherished.
And every day and moment
Someone remembers by my sign—
True life awaits those who hold me closest to their heart.
4-5-2010
Happy Lent,
Darlene
Thank you Darlene. You have graced my blog with your exceptional insight and talent.
I wish each of you a blessed Easter, knowing that it was the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, that brings us this blessed holiday.
Marlene Anderson
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