At first glance I do not look like a pilgrim,
in fact, one would never have thought
that title could even possibly apply.
Perhaps my shoeless feet may give a clue,
the thickened dead skin on my soles,
or the scrapes and bruises on my knees.
Yet, these go unnoticed by most for
in fact, one would never have thought
that title could even possibly apply.
Perhaps my shoeless feet may give a clue,
the thickened dead skin on my soles,
or the scrapes and bruises on my knees.
Yet, these go unnoticed by most for
they are not physically obvious nor
are they paraded as badges of martyrdom.
Pilgrimage is personal, a death if you like,
to the old creature who has now found Him,
in the mundane, the horror, the sublime,
in the mud filled valleys and dizzying heights,
in the wars, the times of peace, the craziness.
Shoes will wear out over time, and time again,
whilst knees bent in adoration learn to carry
the weight of knowing His Glory, His Majesty,
His Holiness, His Love, and His Grace...
Lisa at dverse poets has given us three words: pilgrimage, wandering, walkabout. We are to choose one of these to write a poem that embodies the word we have chosen. I chose pilgrimage as I have been on a personal pilgrimage with Jesus Christ for over forty years now. Here's the link: Pilgrimage Wandering Walkabout
I agree, Carol, pilgrims come in all shapes, sizes, religions, etc. and are not necessarily recognizable, and pilgrimage is personal.
ReplyDeleteYes, pilgrimage is personal indeed. :D
DeleteIn Christ you are a new creation and nothing can separate you from His love even though life is riddled with suffering, anguish and deep despair. A very nice poem.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Thanks for your encouraging comments! :D
DeleteVery well written!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dwight! :D
DeleteVery well-written..admire your dedication...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Callsign Santa! :D
DeleteCarol, these lines really spoke to me:
ReplyDelete"Pilgrimage is personal, a death if you like,
to the old creature who has now found Him,"
and love how you put them right in the middle of your poem.
What a great prompt, Lisa! Thank you! Writing from one's heart fitted the prompt perfectly for me. :D
DeleteCarol, pilgrimage is certainly personal as you have beautifully said.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Punam! :D
DeleteUtterly beautiful, Carol, this portrait of a pilgrim. I especially loved,
ReplyDelete"Pilgrimage is personal, a death if you like,
to the old creature who has now found Him,
in the mundane, the horror, the sublime,
in the mud filled valleys and dizzying heights. ---- A wonderful testimony of faith.
Thank you kindly, Dora. I knew you would understand my pilgrimage. :D
Delete“the thickened dead skin on my soles,
ReplyDeleteor the scrapes and bruises on my knees.”
I relate! Sometimes my heels make me self-conscious.
I prefer bare feet to shoes! Hence one's heels do develop thickened skin. Oh well. ;D
Delete