Elizabeth Barrette (ysabetwordsmith) wrote,
Elizabeth Barrette
ysabetwordsmith
  • Mood: busy

Poem: "Valley of the Shadow"

This poem came out of the December 6, 2016 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired and sponsored by [personal profile] redsixwing. It also fills the "angels" square in my 7-1-16 card for the Winter Fest in July Bingo. This poem belongs to the series Fledgling Grace.


"Valley of the Shadow"


The lost souls huddle in
the shadow of the forest,
frightened of the valley
that lies beyond.

Then comes a light,
a warm golden spark
swinging through the shade.

The Angel of Death comes,
walking with a measured stride,
holding a crystal lantern that turns
the Valley of the Shadow of Death
into a dance of light and darkness.

"Go to him," the ushers say,
gently shooing the souls
on their final journey.

They take flight then,
and are drawn like moths
toward the swaying light that
shines through the shadows.

The ushers close their condor wings
and return to their work, inspired
as always by this ephemeral glimpse
of the One who holds their service.

* * *

Notes:

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
-- King James Bible, Psalm 23, The Lord is My Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:11-24; John 10:1-21)

Death is often depicted with a lantern.

Condors are giant vultures.

Tags: cyberfunded creativity, fantasy, fishbowl, life lessons, poem, poetry, reading, spirituality, weblit, writing
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  • 5 comments
rhodielady_47

rhodielady_47

December 8 2016, 14:18:49 UTC 4 years ago

Simply beautiful and quite moving.
:^)
janetmiles

janetmiles

December 10 2016, 02:44:26 UTC 4 years ago

This is lovely.
ysabetwordsmith

Thank you!

ysabetwordsmith

December 10 2016, 02:57:01 UTC 4 years ago

I'm glad you enjoyed it.
johnpalmer

johnpalmer

December 10 2016, 02:49:15 UTC 4 years ago

I think I may have mentioned that one model for death is, well, home. Home is where, when you have no where else to go, they have to take you in. Homecomings might be scary, and may be painful to those left behind, but there's no reason to imagine it being tragic.
ysabetwordsmith

Yes...

ysabetwordsmith

December 10 2016, 02:53:16 UTC 4 years ago

Exactly. Death is just the opposite of birth. You are in one place, and you go to another place. The people you leave behind may be sad, but the people you are joining will be happy.