A Poem For Endings And New Beginnings
Here is a poem I have written recently. To be sure it says something about where I am in life, this amazing stage of new beginnings, the opening of a new chapter, a season of contentment, one without the relentless responsibilities and burdens of formal work. I am talking here about an end I can almost see, but I am also talking about the exhilarating new energy stirring within, for one last in-between time.
But really I hope the poem speaks to other younger folks about any stage in life. We all live at various stages on the journey. There is always an end of something in sight. There is always the closing of a chapter. We are always negotiating loss. And yet there is always too the opening of a wonderful new view of things, new beginnings, a new loveliness shining into our lives, something fresh, radiant.
In all of this I sense the strong hint of something wholly new beyond, something beckoning, something radiant beyond our dreams. But for now, as I say, I am content.
Well, maybe the poem captures something about all of that. I sure hope so. Mostly I hope you find something helpful in this poem for you.
Here is my poem:
The New Sun Rising
There’s so much yet to do
before the flame finally flickers out,
before the sun dips into the sea,
our great star touching down gently
into that golden water. We savor now
the gift, this one last in-between time.
So much to do before the leaves
drift down one more time, the whoosh
of passing cars stirring them
back to life, yet another moment’s
pause before lying down, sodden
and worn. I count back now
from an end I can almost see, and yet,
alert, attentive as ever, I lock onto
the sounds, the scents, new realms
I have never tasted before. I listen
for all that stirs within me, while the sun
holds for another hour, another year. I rest
in this season of contentment, before putting down
one last time into the deep unknown. All the while
I am beckoned forward, toward something,
like a new sun rising, something wholly
new, something radiant. But for now
there is so much yet to do. I am content.
Phil, your poem about endings and new beginnings really resonated with me. Just wanted to thank you for it. That’s right where I am.
Royce Money
Beautiful poem Phil. Lovely, evocative. Thanks Brother.
Tim
TIMOTHY EATON timothy@veritestudios.com
Read ‘New Sun Rising’ several times. Delight in the flow, the rhythm, the pull of thoughts back and forth, contentment yet yearning… Thank you very much for sharing.
Phil, I am interested in your “What’s Out Ahead.” I do think you are on to something when you suggest that local is where renewal may take place in our postmodern society. We have an after school activity for the kids in our community. This week one little elementary school boy followed me around the play area and just kept talking. I couldn’t figure out why. Suddenly, he blurted out that life was a bummer. Then he told me his story of his broken home. I just listened. His dad was gone. I think he was just needing a “dad” (or in my case, a granddad) to listen. It was a quick reminder to me that so many in our world live broken lives and are just trying to survive in tough broken circumstances. On the outside they look quite normal. Inside there is a different story. I look forward to reading your thoughts. Dave
Phil, I am glad to read of your contentment. That is one discipline that must be learned regardless of the circumstances of life (Phil. 4:11). I am learning! It is one of those things that easily slips away if not constantly cultivated. Ultimately, our only final contentment is in the Lord! I hope that you and Sharon had a blessed Easter. The Son is up! Later, Dave