THE GENTLE BIRD

(Day 28 of a 31-day writing challenge #justwrite2024)

Today I was on a podcast with the wonderful Susan Burrell, as we spoke about my poetry and the book of poems Breadcrumbs, Vol. 2. At one point she read a poem called "Beneath It All" which mentions a turning point with the arrival of a "gentle bird." We actually both got choked up as she read it so eloquently. Later I said she was the gentle bird ... which of course ... led to the ultimate writing of, yes, a poem.

________

The Gentle Bird

You may have overlooked, what with all that is going on
You forgot the deepest night is greeted by the morning dawn
No matter what has happened to you in the past
There is but one eternal truth, born to last
There up in the sky, crossing by without a word
You are the wind; you are the gentle bird

Soaring far far above insanity’s scream
You may dip and dive in surreal landscape dream
Seeing beyond the distant horizon bend
Recognizing there is no beginning and no end
All sounds quiet now, nothing to be heard
Not for the ever-present, angelic, gentle bird

Yes, claim your innocence, claim your prize
What has been kept under wraps no longer a surprise
It’s yours to share with everyone everywhere
Dispelling the darkness, and any sense of despair
One thing for certain, one beauty reassured
Your flight towards the heavens as the glorious gentle bird

The Anniversary Gift ~ A Poem from God to Jennifer and Jim

As an 11-year-anniversary wedding gift for my wife Jennifer, I considered what the Almighty would impart to us if the Divine had a say here. Though corroboration is not possible here, it's fun to imagine for the sake of celebration and uplift. 

You gave the gift of your relationship to me

So that you could find a path to be free

At the Thursday Club in sacred setting by the sea 

In attendance, a gathering of friends and family

As you both took respite in commitment divine

Making your union yours … but also mine

In giving your allegiance to the highest of high

It guaranteed – in truth – you could always get by

And know you would always be taken care of

In the eternal embrace of a guiding, gentle love 

If ever downtrodden, your spirits I would lift

In the tender reminder … with this anniversary gift

Though troubles could double, and losses could mount 

There exists sturdy foundation that would, yes, surely count 

The shadows of doubt will arise from time to time 

But they never will know what is yours … and what is mine

Darkness cannot know what it means to be free

Especially when relationships have been offered to me

The dark will try to threaten, scare, blame and shame 

Yet in the end … it carries no name 

It knows not the magic and miracle that keeps love alive

It knows not the illumination that will never divide 

Though uncommitted captains will lead ships adrift 

Your vows given to the glory will lead to this gift 

And what is this gift, this bounty, this present, this prize?

What blossoms from this seed planted, what shall arise?

Perhaps the laughter in between the times high and low 

The opportunities of plenty to stretch, learn and grow 

The walks and the talks on the paths you have taken 

The forgiveness of the faithless who tend to forsaken 

All the yoga classes with their forward folds and bends

The surprising victories of those Kings and Dolphins 

All the beauty that blooms in your story … come what may 

My gratitude for your offering given on one fine day

In the end: a return of a promise, a pure reflection you cannot miss  

Divine blessings for a lifetime … and this anniversary gift

James Anthony Ellis is a writer, poet and producer who can be found at www.LegacyProductions.org. 

POETRY DEFICIENCY IS ON THE RISE AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Breaking Fake News!!!   

(Published and valid on April 1 only!)

The Food and Drug Administration and some other 3-letter federal agencies, which are supposed to know something, report that the main ailment facing a large percentage of the nation's population is not a lack of Vitamin D, C, E, F or even G, but rather a common, overlooked issue of: "Poetry Deficiency." 

Studies suggest that the lack of rhyme, not riboflavin, are routine issues that guide the populace towards manifesting sluggishness, depression, upset and even an healthy addiction to streaming services. 

To combat these sickly trends, author and poet James Anthony Ellis has produced a book of 108 poems that guide readers towards a higher state of being. Titled "Breadcrumbs, Vol. 2: Poems & Prose Found Along the Sacred Path," the book comes along possibly just in time for a nation in need. 

Said Ellis, "Hey, I can't help it. I get inspired, I sit down to write and it comes out all rhymey. It even has some pretty cool messages. Who knew it would be EXACTLY what the doctor ordered."   

Though positive effects of the book prescription include joy, happiness, empathy, connection and lack of hunger, it must be noted that the negative side effects include .... absolutely nothing.  

Supplies not limited. Get it while Amazon still lasts.   

______

And of course - April Fools - though you already knew that!

But it is true there is a book that can help anyone wanting a boost and an inspiration and to tackle that "Poetry Deficiency" disease.   FOUND HERE:  https://a.co/d/0554ZK3