PIECES OF M

Y LIFE

A DE D

I C A T I ON

T O M

Y P A R E NT S A N

D G

R A ND

P A R E NT S

DEDICATION

While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Truly I would say to you, the people I speak of in this dedication are indeed my mother and my brothers. For they have raised, cherished, and loved me, according to the will of my Father in heaven. From day one loving words, actions, and intentions have been poured out on me by they're hands. The individual care I received from each of them cannot be bought, priced, or even understood. The love they have for me is unconditional love. In this dedication I will write 5 poems, and share 5 additional poems written by various authors that remind me of my these loved ones. This dedication will also contain my thoughts about these 4 individuals and a verbal expression of my love for them.

MY FATHER, MY BROTHER BY CALEB RUTH

My Father, my brother, my help in time of needNever have I experienced love like this, love that requires no deed

You’ve taught me, shown me, helped me understandThat though in life when we want to give up we are called to be a man

My Father, my brother, our fellowship; I treasure When I am struggling, lost, weary, you encourage me to endeavor

Father say a prayer for me that I might find strength To ensure my success you go to such a great length

My Father, my brother, the older we grow the closer we becomeTaking a moment to look back and see where we have come from

Years ago I was a boy running to his father for embraceNow a man I stand beside you saying, “brother, let us run this race.”

“MY FATHER, MY BROTHER” THOUGHTS

As I reflect on my relationship with my father in the past years of my life, I see a slow and steady transformation. I see the transformation of Father, into Brother. My Father would always tell me when I was young that the older I get, the less he would become more of a father figure (i.e. character known for power, dominance, responsibility.),and the more he would become more of a brother to me (i.e accountability, ally, close friend). This transformation occurs due to the journey of from boyhood to manhood when the boy recognizes that with his new found strength and ability comes responsibility. My Father has taught me that as men of God we are called to lead courageously, reject passivity, expect a greater reward, and accept responsibility. We are to lead others around us in what is right, reject the inclination to be passive, accept responsibility for mistakes of myself as well as others that I am responsible for, and lastly expect a greater reward that will be given from God when we are sent home. My father has taught these key truths to me so that I can be a true man of God and will hold me accountable as I grow old, as I will also hold him accountable to do the same.

POEM ABOUT A SILENT STRONG DAD BY KAREN K. BOYERHe never looks for praises

He’s never one to boastHe just goes on quietly working

For those he loves the mostHis dreams are seldom spoken

His wants are very fewAnd most of the time his worries

Will go unspoken tooHe’s there… A firm foundationThrough all our storms of life

A sturdy hand to hold to In times of stress and strifeA true friend we can turn toWhen times are good or bad

One of our greatest blessings,The man that we call Dad.

“POEM ABOUT A SILENT STRONG DAD” THOUGHTS

I chose to share this poem because it paints a wonderful picture of what a humble Father looks like. My father from as far back as I can remember has been one of the more selfless, humble men that I have ever had the privilege of learning from. My father never had to be in the spot light to be satisfied. I can think of all the times where he would help me and my band practice and prepare for a preformance and then when finally playing and hearing the crowd roar looking down and seeing a smile on his face, a proud father. I always knew that it was he that belonged on that stage receiving that thunderous applause, but instead he was overjoyed and proud to see me, his son, receive it. All that he ever wanted was to see me do well, not just in music, but in life. He has held me accountable and has always been faithful to insure that I walk the path of righteousness. The very first line of the poem “He never looks for praises” is what made me think of my musical growth and how it was my father who deserved those praises. When Karen writes “He just goes on quietly working for those he loves the most” immediately made me think of my father and how everyday he wakes up early and travels to work to provide for his family- the ones he loves the most. Also when Karen writes “One of our greatest blessings, The man that we call Dad.” made me think of my father and how he truly is one of the greatest blessings that Christ has given to me and my family. We recognize that some families don’t have the privilege of growing up with a father in their life, and not only has God given us a father, but he has given us one of the most respectable, loving, humble men that we can all learn from and love.

MOTHER OF MINE BY CALEB RUTH

Mother of mine do you recognize my face?Has time taken its toll? Or maybe that’s not the case.

Maybe I’ve changed deep down insideMaybe I’ve moved on, grown up, the bond to my home no longer tied

Change is inescapable when inevitable But I can assure you, Mother, you will always be Mother of mine

Mother of mine do you remember long uneventful days We could do what we wanted, lost and care free along the way

I was happy to be with you and you with meBut every good thing must come to an end, don’t you see?

Change is inescapable when inevitable But I can assure you, Mother, you will always be Mother of mine

Mother of mine my life is before my eyesSo many different ways I could go my limits are the sky

I leave you now with only precious memories of youBut that is all I need in my life to get my through

Change is inescapable when inevitable But I can assure you, Mother, you will always be Mother of mine

“MOTHER OF MINE” THOUGHTS

Looking back at the past 18 years of my life, I see how blessed I truly was. I do not deserve the mother that God gave me. She has always taken every opportunity to care for me and love me. I remember running around the house with my mother when I was very young, playing games, reading books, watching my favorite movies, drinking juice and eating snacks, enjoying the presence of my mother. I remember crying when she would rarely leave to go hang with her friends or consistently grocery shop. I wrote this poem for her as I reflected not only on these thoughts, but also my thoughts of the future. I wrote the poem as I thought about how things change and how I am going to miss being able to enjoy her company every morning as I drink coffee or every night when I sit down for dinner. However, I love that though I may not be around as much anymore, I can rest in the fact that she will always be my mother.

MOTHER POEMWithout you, mom where would I be?

Through hard times you were there for me.

A heavenly look always in your eyes.

And with your love you strengthened seven children's lives.

You raised me up the best you could.

and taught me all you know about good.

You were strong through all the stress I caused.

You were always willing to put your life on pause.

So I thank you mom for always being there for me.

Because without you where would I be?

By Case

y Q. T

hueson

“MOTHER POEM”

THOUGHTS

I wanted to share this poem with my readers because I felt that I could relate to this poem very strongly. Truly, without my mother, where would I be? As I remember back to a point in my life when everyone around me thought that I did something very wrong, my mother had faith that I hadn’t done it- she was there for me through the hard times. She always had a heavenly look in her eyes, teaching me about Christ Jesus and many truths about him. When I did something wrong she often would do as Christ called her to which is to respond in love. With the Christ like love she strengthened not only seven children like the poems writes, but 9 children. She shows them the love of Christ every day. She has raised us the best she could and has taught us all the good she knows. When I reached the line “You were strong through all the stress I caused.” I began to weep in recognition of the stress that I have caused her due to my laziness and rebellion. She was always willing to put her life on pause to help me whether that be stopping a game or tv show she was watching or throwing in my load of wash into the machine before her own. Therefore would like to take this opportunity to say thank you mom for always being there for me, because with you where would I be?

DEAREST GRANDFATHER BY CALEB RUTH

Dearest Grandfather, My words for you, I deliver in the best way I knowI feel that my love for you I have never been able to genuinely show

So I write this note to you now in hope that you’ll understandThat you mean so much to me, you guided me, you held my hand

You took your time and invested it in meYou showed me the world you flew me across the sea

You just wanted to see my face, hear my voice, embrace me as your ownPlease know- you did so much more than that, you made me feel at home

Dearest Grandfather please remember these words I write for you nowThey come from the bottom of my heart with all the love that these words

would allowI will never forget your kindness, generosity, or love that you displayed Though I wish I had learned more from you, our time we had together I

would never trade

Thank you, Grandpop

“DEAREST GRANDFATHER” THOUGHTS

I wrote this poem for my Grandfather after reflecting on the time he and I have spent together in the past years. I remember when he flew me and my family to the Micronesian Islands just so that he could see my face, hear my voice, and make me feel at home. When my Grandfather moved back to the USA he lived with me and my family for a good portion of that time, and in that time I was able to experience great fellowship with him! My Grandfather who I hadn’t been able to spend much time with for the first 6 years of my life was now living with me and my family and I was able to get to know him. He was able to instill wisdom in me and even teach me in some academic studies! I never felt like I was able to express enough my appreciation and love I have for my Grandfather, therefore my writing of this poem is an attempt in communicating so.

THANK YOU POEM

B

Y LEILANI

HERMOSA PETERSEN

For all the days you put up with me, For all the smiles and calamities,For all the love you gave to me,

I just wanna say thank you.

For all the things you made me see, For all the things you helped me be,

For all the joy you brought into my life, I just wanna say thank you.

“THANK YO

U POEM”

THOUGHTS

I c h o s e t o s h a r e t h i s p o e m b e c a u s e I t h o u g h t t h a t t h e g e n e r a l I d e a o f t h e p o e m v e r y a c c u r a t e l y e x p r e s s e s m y f e e l i n g s . “ I j u s t w a n n a s a y t h a n k y o u ” f o r s i m p l y a l l t h e t i m e s m y g r a n d f a t h e r a n d I w o u l d s i t o u t o n t h e f r o n t p o r c h a n d s i m p l y j o k e a r o u n d a n d t a l k a b o u t w h a t e v e r w e w a n t e d . T h e t i m e a n d l o v e h e i n v e s t e d i n m e w h e n w e w o u l d g o o u t t o d i n n e r a n d t a l k a b o u t l i f e a n d t h e u n i v e r s e . I c a n ’ t t h i n k o f a n y b e t t e r w a y t o t h a n k h i m t h e n t o j u s t s a y “ t h a n k y o u . ” I c a n o n l y i m a g i n e t h a t w h e n L e i l a n i w r o t e t h i s p o e m , s h e w a s n ’ t w r i t i n g i t l i k e a t y p i c a l p o e m ; s t i c k i n g t o t h e r u l e s a n d t h e o r y o f h o w t o w r i t e a p o e m . I n s t e a d s h e w r o t e t h e s e w o r d s a s a n e x p r e s s i o n o f h e r l o v e a n d t h a n k f u l n e s s , n o t n e c e s s a r i l y c a r i n g a b o u t r u l e s . S h e w r o t e w h a t s h e w a n t e d t o w r i t e a n d l e t i t c o m e f r o m h e r h e a r t , a n d t h a t i s w h a t I l o v e a b o u t i t .

MY HEARTS D

ESIRES

Hush my love, go to sleepI’ll keep you safe, don’t make a peep

My hearts desires are that you grow to be big and strongCare for your family, buy them a house to live in; where they

belongCare for those not as fortunate as you

Remember that pain is something that everyone has been through.But most important of them all

Is remember why you’re here, when man took the fallRemember that we were once separated from God

Sin and its shackles once held us bound for Hell abroadBut God in his endless mercy sent his son for us, to die

That we may now live a life for him, and live for eternity with him on high

Child, these are my hearts desires and I pray for you each and every day,

That you will be a man of God, and from his righteous path, you will never fall astray.

By Caleb R

uth

“MY HEARTS DESIRES” THOUGHTSI chose to write this poem in honor of my Grandmother and how she has pursued me

and my heart. How she cared for me over the years and was always willing to help me in any circumstance. But the aspect I am most grateful for is that she consistently prays for my salvation. She is always investing time into me and the rest of her grandchildren to insure that our hearts are in the right place. I wrote what I wrote because I know that just like every other grandmother, she too wants us to grow up to be strong and healthy and take care of a wife and family, but I know that she cares most about our souls. I know that she will continue to invest in that area of our lives to ensure that one day each of us will be gathered with her in paradise. I love my grandmother for how much she cares and how selfless she is. God knew that I needed a women like her in my life and I am so grateful that he gave me her. What I love about writing poems for people is that it captures the key elements of what I want to communicate in its purest form; and is why I write them.

AMONG WOMEN BY MARIE PONSOT

What women wander? Not many. All. A few.Most would, now & then,& no wonder.Some, and I’m one,Wander sitting still.My small grandmotherBought from every peddlerLess for the ribbons and laceThan for their scentOf sleep where you will,Walk out when you want, chooseYour bread and your company

She warned me, “Have nothing to lose.”

She looked fragile but hadHigh blood, runner’s ankles,Could endure, endure.She loved her rooted garden, herGrand children, her onceWild once young man.Women wanderAs best they can.

“AMONG WOMEN” THOUGHTS

I picked this poem to include in my dedication because this is a poem where everyone draws a different conclusion. Personally, I gather that the poet is putting emphasis on the fact the the mind of women wanders in thought. What made me believe this is when the poet writes “What women wander? Not many. All. A few. Most would, now & then, & no wonder. Some, and I’m one, wander sitting still.”. The poet assumes that all women's minds wander but does not know for sure, she does however admit that hers does. It would appear that the “wandering” that the poet writes about is the walk through human life. She uses her Grandmother as the example for the poem. Her grandmother “wandered” through life “she looked fragile but had High blood, runner’s ankles, Could endure, endure. She loved her rooted garden, her Grand children, her once Wild once young man. Women wander As best they can.” the only dialogue we have between the grandmother and the poet is this “She warned me, ‘Have nothing to lose.’”. I believe the Grandmother intends to encourage her Granddaughter to live life to “wander”. Although I am not a woman, I intend to wander.

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

BY C

AL E

B R

UT H

Beautiful people are the rarest kindYou typically don’t see many, they can be hard

to find.The ones I know of, have been with me from

the startSo for them I write these words from the

bottom of my heart.

I see beauty in their actions And even more in their reactions

I see beauty in their lives Their love for one another is where it derives

Beautiful people don’t recognize they're beauty

Their under the impression; they’re simply doing their duty

But I see it, and that’s what I aim to beBecause I want to love people, the way these

loved me

“BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE” THOUGHTSAs I was scrolling through my mothers photo album on Facebook that she posted in honor of her 20years of marriage to my father, I came to this photo and could not help but be inspired to write my poem titled “Beautiful People”. Simply understanding and knowing that they have been married for 20 years and now love each other more than the day they started just took me back. What a precious and God glorifying example he has placed in my life! This recognition that I experienced provoked particular emotion in me and lead me to write this poem. I am so grateful for these Godly, wonderful, joy filled, beautiful people. I want to experience the same love that they have! I want to be a God glorifying example like my parents are! I want to be like them.

LOVE SONG

B Y R AI N

E R M

AR

I A R

I L K E

How can I keep my soul in me, so thatit doesn't touch your soul? How can I raiseit high enough, past you, to other things?I would like to shelter it, among remotelost objects, in some dark and silent placethat doesn't resonate when your depths resound.Yet everything that touches us, me and you,takes us together like a violin's bow,which draws *one* voice out of two separate strings.Upon what instrument are we two spanned?And what musician holds us in his hand?Oh sweetest song.

THOUGHTS ON “LOVE SONG”The author of this poem is distressed and afraid. He does not know what he wants

and is afraid to receive it. He is afraid of loosing something, his soul. “How can I keep my soul in so that it doesn't’t touch your soul?” He goes on to write, “I would like to shelter it, among remote lost objects in some dark and silent place…” the author does not want to be “disturbed” or will he? He is afraid of loosing a piece of him to this character. He shortly after writing this appears to have had an epiphany and proceeds to write the following “… Yet everything that touches us, me and you, takes is together like a violin’s bow, which draws *one* voice out of two separate stings.” The writer is putting emphasis the fact that love between two people is a unifying action. Love unifies two characters to make one flesh or in this case one “note”. The writer is unsure after relating himself and this other character to an instrument, as to “… what musician holds us in hand?” but the writer does recognize that this is “Oh sweetest song.”. I chose to share this poem specifically because those who I dedicate this project to are married and have been unified in one flesh. Over time I have heard they’re “sweetest song” and have thus chosen this poem to relate to.

BIBLIOGRAPHY • Boyer, Karen. "Father Poem." Dad. Feb 2006.

<http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/silent-strong-dad>.

• Thueson, Casey . "Mother Poem." Thanks, Mom. Feb 2006. <http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/thanks-mom>.

• Petersen, Hermosa . "Thank You Poem." Thank You. Apr 2010. <http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/thank-you-7>.

BIBLIOGRAPHY • Ponsot, Marie. "New and Selected Poems." Among

Women. May 2012. <http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poem/245898>.

• Rilke , Rainer . Love Song. Jan 2003. <http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-song/>.