I really like "the bridge of my father's arms" and how you've used it here in extended metaphor. I remember that feeling, too. A wonderfully written, relatable, and heartfelt poem, Jody.
Thank you, Jennifer for saying so and how this poem touched you. The bridge and the water and the shore all seemed to flow together once I began writing--the practice of poetry does that, no?
Thank you for sharing so vulnerably about your father wounds. I think a lot of people have them, making this Sunday a tough day for so many. I've been thinking about that as I select hymns for us to sing together--I went for a Father God one instead of a Wasn't Dad Great one.
I found a touch of my own story there in the poem, the loss of a beloved stepfather, whom I felt profound safety with, to "another home." Sometimes, I think I could write whole books of verse about the "fathers" -- my own, the subsequent men my mom brought in after, my father-in-law, our Heavenly -- but I'm only beginning to plumb those depths with written word (after years of "spoken" word in therapy).
thank you so much for saying so, Kristine. I believe you are correct about plumbing the depths of father wounds--we are made to know our Heavenly Father and when the earthly ones fall short or go missing there is a host of healing that can happen.
Jody, I 💙all of this. I sit beside you in the memories and heartache.
The topic of paying for subscriptions is a tricky one. I can see both sides. I applaud you for opening the access to your writing and trusting God (our ever faithful Father) with the outcome. 💞Judy
I really like "the bridge of my father's arms" and how you've used it here in extended metaphor. I remember that feeling, too. A wonderfully written, relatable, and heartfelt poem, Jody.
Thank you, Jennifer for saying so and how this poem touched you. The bridge and the water and the shore all seemed to flow together once I began writing--the practice of poetry does that, no?
Thank you for sharing so vulnerably about your father wounds. I think a lot of people have them, making this Sunday a tough day for so many. I've been thinking about that as I select hymns for us to sing together--I went for a Father God one instead of a Wasn't Dad Great one.
Megan, thank you for receiving my words with such grace. God is opening a door for me to walk through.
And oh indeed, the Father God Father's Day hymn is an illuminating choice--perfect.
Profoundly beautiful and heartbreaking, Jody.
I found a touch of my own story there in the poem, the loss of a beloved stepfather, whom I felt profound safety with, to "another home." Sometimes, I think I could write whole books of verse about the "fathers" -- my own, the subsequent men my mom brought in after, my father-in-law, our Heavenly -- but I'm only beginning to plumb those depths with written word (after years of "spoken" word in therapy).
thank you so much for saying so, Kristine. I believe you are correct about plumbing the depths of father wounds--we are made to know our Heavenly Father and when the earthly ones fall short or go missing there is a host of healing that can happen.
And writing helps indeed!
Jody, I 💙all of this. I sit beside you in the memories and heartache.
The topic of paying for subscriptions is a tricky one. I can see both sides. I applaud you for opening the access to your writing and trusting God (our ever faithful Father) with the outcome. 💞Judy
Judy, I value your presence and your kindness, thank you. And yes, I'm trusting God with what He's given me to share... He is faithful, indeed.
Thank you, Jody!!! xox
Ah, Patricia, you are welcome, my friend.