Poetry
I'm not actually a very big fan of poems and no way do I think I am supremely gifted in their creation or indeed their analysis. They do however serve a purpose in my life and have over the years proved something of a useful emotional release and have also served as a creative impetus when my prose dries up. I've actually written over twenty poems now, and the ones I've included here are some of my better works.
If you're unsure where to start, may I recommend Dragonfire and Forever as my two favourites.
'The Struggle' by M.J.Ryder
It seems strange to say this but I've actually had the opening two lines of this poem in my head for a long time - indeed from long before that fateful day when my Gran did actually die. I often say to anyone who asks me that my Gran was and still is the most important person ever to have been in my life and I mean it. I think about her more than I think about most of my living relatives. Strange I know, but I guess that's just a mark of how much she meant to me and just how influenced by her I've been over all these years. This poem to me, represents something of the struggle with death that we all must face, and the ideological battle between good and evil.
It came along one winter's eve,
To take my Gran away.
To heaven went, by death was sent,
Alone in the dark now I pray.To a God who seemed loving,
Yet now is so far,
What mercy was shown?
Heaven's gate held ajar,For a woman once proud,
Uplifting and strong,
But where is God now?
What did she do wrong?To deserve such a fate,
To die in such pain;
Good has been conquered,
A disciple is slain.‘And for what?‘ I do cry,
‘Why must it be,
That an angel should die -
Why not instead me?‘‘Because,‘ says the Lord,
‘Your time will yet come,
To stand for the good,
The Father, the Son,To face in defiance
The power, the Snake,
And when it should happen,
The sacrifice make,To stand with the angels,
The great and the good,
The servants of Heaven,
Disciples of God.Where met you may find,
A great number un-thought,
Fear not then my son,
Life isn't for nought.Your Gran is right here;
She sends you her love,
And says not to worry,
For Heaven's above,You've your whole life to live,
So live it yet well,
Be honest and true,
Be wary of Hell.For Satan's weapons are many,
Temptation and lust;
Seeking forgiveness,
Through prayer is a must,And singing my praises,
Always doing what's best,
For this is life's challenge,
The ultimate test.So when your time comes,
Remember my words,
And live your life fully,
Obeying the Word,And fear not for Gran,
Relations long lost,
They live now with me,
And the Heavenly Host.‘My eyes flicker open,
My prayer at an end,
I start now to grieve,
My heart, slowly mend....
It came along one winter's eve,
To take my Gran away.
To heaven went, by death was sent,
Alone in the dark now, I cry.