Poetry by Ellen Louise Bartlett

 Dove

Judgement peered around the corner,
and threw a stone at me.
I ducked to avoid the thundering rock,
finding only to be balked.
I saw a place of safety,
a haven from above.
I found a spot to hide, and cower.
Looking up I saw dove carved in stone
upon a tower.
Admiring the beauty of this gentle,
feathered friend I saw it turn its head
and appear to whisper, "life's to short
to fear and dread...now go and break the
bread."
My shaking hands held out to get the
bread of life and gently it was placed
into my weathered hands so worn. Again
I heard the whisper.."go now live in peace,
for today you are reborn."
 

Ellen Louise Bartlett

Hugs

A wish, a dream, a simple prayer,
Of these I hope to dance.
To laugh and cry and love and care,
On this I hold my stance.
Birth is the beginning...
Death just returning.
Blessed moments shared together
Are hugs that warm the heart forever.
 

Ellen Louise Bartlett

misty nights-loving thoughts

In the midst of midnight,
just my thoughts and I,
sit frozen in this squeaky chair
with not a soul in sight.
The gentle hum of the fan,
the release of this day in the quiet.
The memories of children laughing
and fighting, the television blarring,
and a big sisters caring.
This night is of quiet elegance,
memories dance slowly about.
The hugs I felt, and the teenager who pouts,
the angry words that sting my heart.
All part of the plan laid out for me.
Yet it is at this time of night, all
is forgiven and my love never contrite.
For in these simple moments,
life grabs hold of me, and gently
cradles all my cares and lifts them
up to thee...
 

Ellen Louise Bartlett

Pass it On

In the reaching,
sometimes we fall.
Grasping for that dream,
We stumble and bruise.
As we sit, quietly rubbing
Our wounds, we hear all
the world singing.
The words are muffled,
The tune ever lovely,
I long to find the source.
I fumble about as if I'm blind.
A hand reaches out to me,
It gently squeezes my hand
It is in that soft, firm squeeze
That I see it is my Lord.
I awaken to a new dawn,
I seize this day, I give a smile...
I will squeeze a hand today.

Ellen Louise Bartlett

Simple Fate

Dear God Can you hear me?
I await you reply for I know it is great.
But these trials and tests that we must
go through and it's so terribly difficult
to carry this weight. There are those
who belittle and those who berate,
but this family of eight will patiently
wait. We seem to be bait for those
who incriminate. For at this time we
live in a welfare state. Although my
dear husband, my soul mate of fate,
works so hard to provide for this
family of eight. And this debate it
goes on for us stay at home moms.
For our plates they are empty,
and the mortgage is late,
But our faith will never be
something we debate. For your love
is all powerfull and to this we relate,
Dear God just help us to patiently wait.
 

Ellen Louise Bartlett

Sweet Scrambled Eggs

My thoughts are scrambled eggs,
my hopes are whipped into the batter
of which, when cooked will curdle and sour.
I pound the anger to tenderize. The toughness
softens, the pounding ceases.
The flour is sprinkled over each so
intented. Like hope fresh and warm
from the oven. The sweet smell of faith
fills the air, and the Lord lets me know
He is there.
I rush to write down the recipe, and
in my haste forgot the ingredients.
I shudder from angst but stop this mixed
up timer. It was not the recipe, but
the memory that was so sweet.

Ellen Louise Bartlett

The Night

In the darkness of a warm summer night,
a window just cracked for a breeze.
She lie in her bed with no fear or no dread,
and gently lay down her head.
She awoke to a clatter and sitting beside her
a stranger who bore a knifes head.
Trying to scream, but her breath it had left her,
she gave up and gave in to him.
The things that he did, horrid with sin,
could not break her spirit undimmed.
For she clung to the rope of Gods hope,
She lived through that night,
a blessing if viewed through Gods light.
Finally she learned to be free of that night,
And forgiveness was truly the key.
For once she let go and forgave that poor soul,
life was more precious, you see,
now each day is a river of hope taken to the highest degree.
Now the story all told I'll be bold and admit, yes it truly was me.
 

Ellen Louise Bartlett

My Visit to Come

The wind beats against my heart,
I stop to catch my breath,
The frustration and anxiety attack me
just like a poison dart.
In the fury I turn only to meet death.
He greets me with a smile, he nods
and seems to say, fear not for I will
take your hand and gently lead you home.
And yet, his hand is cold and mine is
trembling so, he turns and breaths
a word yet it warms my soul all aglow.
I tell him that I cannot go, there is to
much here to do...he shakes his head and
motions, the time for us ensues.
It is a peaceful passing, yet for all I leave
behind...a hug, a smile,
a prayer for forgiveness of all I've done
unkind.
 

Ellen Louise Bartlett

Constance Ann

There was magic in her eyes,
With the angels cries,
And music was heard in her sighs.
And all that I am,
And all that I can,
Remember my sweet Constance Ann.
For when I was eight
God stood at his gate
And summoned her glorious fate.
Yet the fear of our tears
And the fate of all man
Took our dear little Constance Ann.
It took many years,
To see my way clear.
That her life was my reward
And oh how I treasure the memory still,
Of my adored little Constance Ann.

Ellen Louise Bartlett

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