A THOUGHT
As the days shorten --- And the shadows lengthen – So life slips away from us while we are yet in the midst of it © 1994 Dorothy Womack ANGELIC PRESENCE I will be there in your sorrow, when life delivers pain – I’ll bring balm to your heartache when sunshine turns to rain. You won’t sense Me as close to you when earthly joys compete But I’ll be there when sorrows come – God’s will, to make, complete. You won’t find Me among the crowds who carry you along – But I’ll be there when you are called to walk this world alone. Your need of Me exists far more when pain must be your part – I come to heal, and do God’s will, down deep within your heart. You’ll sense a guiding force upon a life, that’s loved so much – You’ll feel the Hand of God, and know His gentle, healing touch. So, neither fear, nor shrink from that which God has meant to be – For in the dark night of your soul – You’ll learn the most from ME. © 1997 Dorothy Womack ONE LITTLE GIRL
ANGELIC PRESENCE
I will be there in your sorrow, when life delivers pain – I’ll bring balm to your heartache when sunshine turns to rain. You won’t sense Me as close to you when earthly joys compete But I’ll be there when sorrows come – God’s will, to make, complete. You won’t find Me among the crowds who carry you along – But I’ll be there when you are called to walk this world alone. Your need of Me exists far more when pain must be your part – I come to heal, and do God’s will, down deep within your heart. You’ll sense a guiding force upon a life, that’s loved so much – You’ll feel the Hand of God, and know His gentle, healing touch. So, neither fear, nor shrink from that which God has meant to be – For in the dark night of your soul – You’ll learn the most from ME. © 1997 Dorothy Womack
ONE LITTLE GIRL
Under the timbers, huddled in despair Thinking no one could see her – But God saw her there. Wondering if life would ever bring an end to all her suffering. God took note of each little thought – and, unknown to her, His mercy he brought to one little girl, who felt all alone – He promised, in Heaven and on earth, was a home where nothing that happened would take her from Him – and she would find shelter from all of her sins. Clinging to a rock, with a cat she could hold – she never imagined how her life would unfold – She couldn’t know then what she’s grown to know now – How choices can alter all of our dreams somehow… She laughs and she smiles – She appears to be fine She carries off her role – She knows all her lines She acts as expected, playing her part – While only a few know what’s inside of her heart. This heart has been broken, by guilt and by loss – Nobody knows what experiences cost her, in terms of living, abundant and free – For she’s bound by cords which no one can see.. She’s torn by the past, which she cannot control – Bruised and battered – Tormented in soul --- Yet, God has a message, directed to her --- He’s never forgotten, this one little girl. Yes, He looks upon her and He sees instead A heart that is mended -A load that is shed--- As time has a way of easing our pain So God has His way of causing our gain of the things once thought lost to us-Irretrievably so-- He wraps them in ribbons of mercy and hope. He turns times of weeping into daily delight For where His love abides, there can be no night. The tears which she shed as she sat on that rock Are bottled in Heaven – God has not forgot !! And that which He promised, will He also do For this one little girl, who lives inside YOU !! © 1997 Dorothy Womack TINY FACE
TINY FACE
There was a little person who had a tiny face She didn’t know her power, nor did she find her place She sought, throughout her lifetime, For comfort, strength and help –-- She finally found the answers --- When she looked within herself. © 1995 Dorothy Womack
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** The remainder of these poems were written especially for my own mother, who died from Alzheimers disease on September 9, 1996 ***
ENDURANCE
If I could bring her back to me And have things like they used to be I wouldn’t – For I couldn’t Bear that pain again. So much occurred, which helped me see She’s better off, apart from me She’s found eternal, lasting peace Where sorrows, fears and troubles cease. Her life, as dust, has blown away But, bring her back? Again, I’d say – I wouldn’t – for SHE couldn’t Bear that pain again. © 1997 Dorothy Womack
IN YOUR SHADOW
Once, men regarded you with awe I wasn’t even known at all! Any instrument you could play Admired by those who came your way. In later life, your talents grew To include canvas, oils and easel too – My life developed a different way Paper and pen were my mainstay. Our paths converged in your last years There were many days of trials and tears What we endured, to overcome, Enlarged our hearts and made us one. Throughout my life, I was content To see YOU get the accolades – Remain in your shadow – Now I find It’s MY turn to take center stage! Though time and men have since moved on Those special years we shared are gone --- Forevermore, the truth persists – Without YOU here – I don’t exist !! © 1997 Dorothy Womack
LOVE WHICH REMAINS
When a lifetime of living has come to its time – There must be a reason, some meaning or rhyme To those left remaining – There must be a way To impart them with knowledge of a much brighter day. For no man can ponder the moon or the stars And yet, keep from wond’ring just why that we are Here upon earth, so volatile and strange --- Some leave before us, while others remain. Yes, this final exit, I don’t understand While having no answers, reconciled I now am To that which will be, must be, and is --- We belong to God’s plan and are ultimately His. Through a glass darkly, the Truth spoke and said – Those hid in Christ cannot ever be dead! These bodies decay and the souls thence depart But nothing can take these ones out of our hearts! Our one hope in looking at truth – face to face – Is that we must bow to God’s will and God’s grace – Then rise up – Go forward – Find strength from above Their memories will keep us, as will His Love. And as we grow older, with wisdom, exchange That time is but a moment – Eternity reigns! Life’s meaning isn’t found in money or fame --- Out of all of life’s treasures --- It is LOVE WHICH REMAINS!! © 1994 Dorothy Womack
I’M ME
You say, how am I doing? Well, I’m really glad you asked! I cannot tell you, graphically, just how great a task That life has laid before me – It’s a path I haven’t trod But one thing I am sure of – I must hold on tight to God! I’m not afraid of dying, for I know what lies ahead Within the realms eternal, I’ll live, I won’t be dead! I am afraid of living in a body, uncontrolled I hate to be a burden to these ones whom I love so. When I want to speak, words jumble and tumble out all wrong – When I seek to move, I fumble and go where I don’t belong – Confusion is my partner: What’s that, you say? Just go away! I just don’t understand!!.... Please come to me with tenderness… Please hold my trembling hands… I don’t remember where I’ve been, what I’ve done, or why - My mind and vision clouded, it’s hard to even try – Yet try I must, continually, to help my loved ones see Beneath all this chaotic mess – I’m still myself – I’M ME !! © 1998 Dorothy Womack
PAINT ME A PICTURE
Paint me a picture of what Heaven must be For I’m a mere mortal, and I cannot see The realms that you dwell in – the places you know So paint me a picture and help me to grow Into the knowledge which you now possess – Impart to me wisdom, counsel and rest --- Twirling around in the Light of God’s Love Grant me a glimpse of Heaven above. Yes, paint me a picture with guiding hands Of Heavenly Hosts – Waterfalls – Angelic Bands Majestic mountains – Singing saints – Places and scenes, which only you could paint! And I’ll wait for tomorrow to come When we’ll be united, together, as one Until then – While we must dwell apart Just paint me a picture, to hold in my heart! © 1996 Dorothy Womack
*This poem was written for my mother’s epitaph. Mom had visited Heaven before she died, and lived to tell about it. A self-taught artist in her late 60s, Mom was told by a glowing being that she would be painting the landscapes of Heaven when she came Home…
WATCHING
I watched her as her memory began to fade each day --- I watched her as her mind itself slipped, piece by piece, away I watched her frame diminishing, as every organ failed ---- I watched her as her body fought against its last exhale. I watched so long until there was little left of me – A broken, shriveled, devastated personality --- I cried until my tears themselves snuffed out the Light within I wondered why would God decide to leave ME, without THEM. I watched her as her slender hands appeared to me one day – Her gentle eyes looked longingly – Though no words were found to say --- I watched her walk and twirl around in the Presence of the King For a fraction of a moment, I could hear the angels sing ! I watched her as her peaceful grace offset the pain she’d bore Her countenance shone as the sun–and I believed once more!! I cried until my tears themselves revealed God’s Love within I understood, and knew, why God took HER to be with HIM --- Now hope arises in my heart, calm assurance when I pray As my eyes continue watching ---- I will see them, BOTH, one day…. © 1996 Dorothy Womack
*My mother actually appeared to me after she died, and turned a music box several times (in front of witnesses). This is a detailed account of what I actually saw – before Mom died – and after!!
AS TIME PASSES ON
I still miss you, Mom – More as time passes on It matters not how long you’ve been gone --- To me: It’s as if you just went away How I wish I could have made you stay! While society spun on its own chosen way You spent your time raising me –day to day – You tried by example, to set the world right By living a simple, perfunctory life --- You never knew fortune, power or fame The ‘status quo’ hadn’t heard of your name But I knew your value and meaning to me --- A person of infinite worth and true dignity. What others discounted, as having no worth Was priceless to me: Having you on this earth Regardless of how you appeared to another You remained beautiful: My precious mother. And as life in your body began to fade --- The life of your spirit shone brighter each day God called forth His angels to come after you You smiled, and assured me, they’d come for me too! You released your spirit to God’s faithful care He promised His children, their burdens, He’d bear So you accepted the offer God made --- And Heaven embraced you – The price had been paid. You went on ahead, while I yet remained My heart kept on beating – My tears left their stain Although several years have so quickly flown I still miss you, Mom – More as time passes on… © 1999 Dorothy Womack
SLEEP WITH THE ANGELS
Sleep with the angels, Dear One --- When you awaken, God will be there To take your hand and lead you into The Land of Promise …. The angels will greet you and guide you Along the new pathways you are now Destined to walk… Birds will sing – Eternal bells ring Angels will rise to reveal Heaven’s realities before your very eyes. And in the morning, when you awaken You will see God – Face to face – You shall be like Him, and know Him, For who He truly is… Sleep with the angels, Dear One --- For these angels who carry and bear you Away to Heaven --- Are those who will comfort us - The ones who yet remain … © 1998 Dorothy Womack
MY HEART STILL WEEPS
Lying here upon my bed – I can’t forget the words I said Though you forgot them long ago I wish I could –like you- do so! I smile – I laugh – I act the part – But there are tears inside my heart I miss the time, in moments spent – When we, at last, became true friends. Those treasured times I spent with you meant everything to me – While, too, Each day brought changes deep within as we developed trust again ----- You’ve traded in your worn out bones – Your spirit’s free – From dust, it’s flown – You’ve found Eternal Destiny ---- And…although I smile… My heart still weeps…… © 1999 Dorothy Womack
MY MOTHER’s FACE
When I finally reach that other side Where peace, and love, and truth abide What joy and elation will be there When I see my mother’s face, so fair! We’ll embrace and weep, at last, to be United for eternity ---- Our hands will touch – Our eyes will meet Oh, what a grand reunion sweet! All those who have, before me, gone Shall stand amidst the Great White Throne What songs will fill my grateful heart To realize we’ll never part! My mom and I, we’ll be alive No pain or grief will ever thrive God will wipe my tears away From gazing on my mother’s face And looking in the eyes of God I’ll understand the path I’ve trod Nothing will be hidden then --- We’re all here – Because of Him! For God knew how lost I’d be Without my mother beside me --- So He created a place to belong He calls it ‘HEAVEN’ ---- I call it ‘HOME’----- © 1999 Dorothy Womack
FLASHES
Flashes of images come back to me Time most important were those times when we Grew closer in Spirit - not looking ahead But lived in today and in all that God had For us both to do daily - in kindness for Him - We walked forth together - to sink or to swim - Each day we grew closer, in Spirit, obeyed We looked straightforward to a much brighter day When all would be peaceful - Contentment at last Although it meant you would be gone in a flash --- I knew I'd be left with a void in my life But I wanted you free from all sorrow and strife Time has moved swiftly since you've gone away I've changed on the inside most every day --- I hold to this truth: That wherever GOD is You're walking with Him - So I don't mind the flashes For these are reminders of what's passed away There is no reality to keep me in sway --- I'm grateful God raised you up from the ashes And me? Well I'm fine - In those days without flashes... © 1999 Dorothy Womack
EVERY TIME SHE CRIES
Every time she cries, it breaks my heart in two I sit beside her, knowing there is nothing I can do To ease her pain and suffering - or bring her back to me I long to have her go to God - to finally be free - But I cannot, and so I watch, as days pass slowly by I want my mother's spirit to escape her frame and fly To where all those who've gone before are waiting yet to see When my mother leaves my loving arms - Their arms, will open, be Yet time is passing frightfully too slow - and yet too fast I cannot seem to hold onto the memories to last My lifetime - when my mother goes - And none is left, but I... Even though I want her free - I'll miss her, so I cry Beyond my spiritual beliefs is still a human child --- Please God, help me to understand this suffering - and while I wait to see Your Faithful Hand at work - Help me to not ask why But accept Your Will in EVERYTHING --- Even those times when she cries...... © 1999 Dorothy Womack ** Dedicated to Mom and also Momma
TINY LITTLE HANDS
Tiny little hands, once touching me Held so much strength and concern for me My mother's fingers felt so frail How could I know what would prevail In my own life when she was gone No human strength to lean upon --- Her hands, to me, spoke most intense I have not felt from others since She went to God and left behind My broken heart and fragile mind --- Her touch brought comfort even when Her body failed her, once again Her little hands wrapped round my own I was her child, although I'm grown Her hands conveyed this truth to me That I, her child, would always be --- Those tiny little hands supplied Such grace -God's peace was multiplied For through her touch, I came to see ThatI was truly loved for me -- Despite the pain I watched her bear I always knew she was still there For me, and would forever stand Loving me---Unconditionally--- Expressed through her TINY LITTLE HANDS...... © 1999 Dorothy Womack
PICTURE ME
Picture me smiling – Not sad and forlorn For I’ve seen the morning – The darkness is gone I walk among angels – I have many friends I dwell in a world where life never ends… Picture me singing – A song of pure joy With children around me – Each girl and each boy No longer are shackled, in hurt and in pain All are rejoicing – All know great gain… Picture me dancing, twirling and free Living the way God meant me to be --- Peaceful – Perfect – Contented – Serene Reality centered – This isn’t a dream!! Sound mind – Strong limbs – Integrity Pure heart – Confidence – True Dignity Reminded no more of earth’s misery When memories haunt you ---- Please….Picture me…. © 1999 Dorothy Womack
WITHOUT THOSE LAST FOUR YEARS
My life revolved in circles, spinning round and round I’d never quite accepted the goodness that I’d found Until the day my mother could no longer yet rely Upon herself in all things – and needed me to try To give my life in service – become her memory Trust in me for guidance and always, honesty --- My mother was transformed in so many different ways She became, to me, an anchor when storms of life would break She held fast in believing – no matter what life held Regardless of the hardship – She knew, one day, she’d dwell Among the Land Eternal – Where spirits are all free But for the time being – her human strength was me… I found the one I’d longed for nearly all my natural life The mother that I’d needed – who loved me without strife Whose slender hands held tightly to what little I could give Whose thoughts were ever centered in ways to help ME live Despite, she knew, the outcome that her own life was to end She resolved to be my mother, my companion, my best friend To ever be so grateful for anything I did Not be the one who raised me when I was just a kid … But be someone I’d cherish and honor all my days Teach me important lessons by exemplifying ways Of Christ living within her – A true example, be Of one who’d found true freedom without ever being free…. Over time, I found not only was she a different one But I, too, had awakened – New life, in me, begun I noticed as she faded in body and in mind Her spirit just grew brighter – God’s Love, within her, shined She taught me by example –God’s grace is our great gift Each loss she bore in silence – Grateful for what was left She did not spend her time in grumbling, complaining in her bed But spent, instead, her hours counting blessings she still had…. Completely changed my nature – I’ll never be the same Nor would I ever want to go back the way I came …. Of all that God has given – These truths I’ve learned through tears Would never been accomplished ….. Without those last four years……… © 1999 Dorothy Womack
ALONG THE WAY
Along the way, I've grown somewhat from the one you left behind --- I went through many darkened days - God's Sunlight did not shine --- Along the way, my grief unleashed an unreal time of tears --- I dealt with every fleeting thought - Each memory so dear --- As time went on, I moved along and gained the strength to stand For many years, I felt as though my life had flown, like sand That flows down in the tapered vial - Which indicates the time I felt the changes going on within me - Without rhyme - Or reason - Did I contemplate each day I'd spent with you --- How often I would find myself wondering just what would I do With all the days remaining me - since I could not make you stay But slowly, God broke through to me and taught me - along the way - I found that life is really more about the things we learn --- Not what we achieve or strive to merit or to earn --- That God is with me all the time - He never leaves my side --- His Spirit lives each day in me - In God's Love - I do abide - But sometimes, yet, I realize that time has flown away --- I miss you still - I always will - Until I join you –
Along the way.... © 1999 Dorothy Womack
I CAN SEE YOU
I can see you, though I've left here I know most everything you do I watch you as you live out All the days assigned to you. I can see you when you're weary I know what also makes you sad Those memories still haunt you Of the good times that we had. But sometimes you don't grasp yet Or even comprehend---- I'm still around you often You're my best and dearest friend. I can see you when you're crying Over all that makes you sad -- Try to overcome these images And dwell on what joys we had. I can see you when you're laughing About something which we shared And all the ways we found to show How much we truly cared --- So do not fret nor worry About what was meant to be --- For, just as I can see you? You'll one day, too, see me!! © 1999 Dorothy Womack
