Littered path
fallen leaves like trodden dreams.
Though the way be narrow
quaking aspen still shimmer gold.
Sun shines through tallest trees
as faith dissipates clouds of doubt.
Lean. Push. Persevere.
March through unmarked trail.
Steps may stumble, pace may slow.
Hope shall light your way.
Poem dedicated to my dear friend. Her two year battle with ovarian cancer inspires so many. She reminds us that every day is a new beginning.
It’s Poetics Tuesday at dVerse, the virtual pub for poets. Today Mish reminds us the New Year means new beginnings. She provides paintings of 8 gifted artists and asks us to choose one or more “and let the words flow.” The pub opens at 3 PM Boston time….stop in and add your thoughts or just enjoy the words of so many.
Painting credit: New Beginnings. “Jennifer Vranes is best know for her large and vibrant paintings of Aspen Forests and European Landscapes. Her trademarked technique of using a pallete knife to ‘sculpt’ in thick textures has become a favorite among collectors and Art Galleries world-wide.” ~ About the Artist-Jennifer Vranes~ jensart.com
lillian the home poet 
When I read this and see the picture it got me thinking of the road less taken.. (for sure there’s a yellow wood too)… love the title that work as a dedication.
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Thank you, Bjorn. Louise is a fighter and she (as well as others who are fighting cancers) are surely on the road less taken.
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Such a lovely tribute, & it made the painting sing, I love prompts of artwork or photographs–they seem to provide inspirations that send us all off into the poetic fireworks, each a separate roman candle; cool.
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Thank you, Glenn. And Happy New Year! I am just back from a wet wet walk to and from the cinema to see Rogue I. So I feel like a sputtering Roman Candle — and the urge to say “May the Force be with you!” 🙂
I’ll be off to read as soon as I can pour myself a nice glass of wine!
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Is aspen the same as silver birch – because that’s what the painting suggests to me? But then, I am not known for my botanical expertise…
I like the way you combine both a descriptive element and an encouraging/coaxing element with the use of the second person in this poem. Very touching indeed!
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Thank you, Marina. I’m not certain about the silver birch….I first identified the trees in the artwork as birch also, because of the bark. But I’ve been to Colorado (family there) and up into the mountains when the aspens are turning yellow and “quaking” — so I Googled it and yep, these are Aspens. I then also read about her artwork and she is known for her aspen paintings 🙂 Glad you liked this one. My friend is an amazing woman with the courage of a warrior.
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Very inspiring message for your friend and for all of us:
Lean. Push. Persevere.
March through unmarked trail.
And the painting is gorgeous as well !
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Louise is doing just that. She keeps pushing — taking what they throw at her and asking for more. Her will to survive and to live and love while she is surviving brings inspiration to many. And yes — it is a message for all of us. 🙂
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Beautiful, Lill.
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Thank you 🙂
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Loving, encouraging words and a glimpse at the strength required to battle these horrible battles. A beautiful interpretation of the painting, Lill,..I like where it took you.
. Thoughts and prayers to your friend, Louise.
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Thank you, Mish. She is a wonderful woman and her positive outlook while living and struggling with this disease is amazing.
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That does tell a story of struggles, and the faith to persevere. That’s a great dedication! The sky showing the way through the broken dreams of fallen leaves.
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My friend is a true warrior as are many who fight the various forms of cancer — truly an insidious disease and live and love as they wage their war.
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Yes, they deserve all our support
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Beautiful:
“Though the way be narrow
quaking aspen still”
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So glad you enjoyed. 🙂
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A lovely tribute – it is a hard path to walk when one has a serious illness.
Steps may stumble, pace may slow.
Hope shall light your way.
Hope is what keeps one going. I think you have captured the heart of those in battle
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment here. Truly appreciated. Louise is fighting so very hard. My prayers are with her every day.
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A recent death of a friend from breast cancer is in the forefront of my mind. I will save this.
Love the quaking aspen shimmering gold.
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Thank you, Kathy. My daughter-in-law is a survivor of triple-negative breast cancer. She is a reminder that miracles happen. As is my husband who survived a 6-minute cardiac arrest (not a heart attack) and is 100% himself cognitively. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. As Louise and my family say, we are thankful for every day.
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The mood of the painting was perfect inspiration for this tribute to your friend. Sending good wishes also.
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Thank you. Louise is a true warrior — we should all have her spirit.
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I love the positive and inspiring message so in need of today’s world, as bright as the painting …a happy new year to you 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words. So very important to stay positive – Louise embodies this❤️
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‘Sun shines through the tallest trees” great line, beautiful thought. You make it seem like the picture is an illustration of the poem.
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Thank you, Sarah. What a wonderful compliment — I sincerely appreciate your words here.
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I’m sure your picture and words were a blessing to Louise who walks a path knowing not the end. Some people are able to walk that path and be an inspiration to others are they do so. Sounds like your friend has that ability.
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Thank you so much for your reply here. She truly is an inspiration to so many – living and loving every day – doing what she can, pushing herself, working with docs. She has an aura of prayers from so many, far and near, that surrounds her.
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“Though the way be narrow
quaking aspen still shimmer gold.”–such poignant words, so rich with deeper meaning, especially when thought of in light of the dear friend you wrote this for.
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Thank you for the very thoughtful comment. Truly appreciated!
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A heartfelt tribute, Lillian. I’m sure your friend loves this. I especially love these lines.
“Steps may stumble, pace may slow.
Hope shall light your way.”
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She is an amazing woman and in my prayers every day.
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kaykuala
Steps may stumble, pace may slow.
Hope shall light your way.
There definitely are lots of distractions but hope triumphs in making it possible to realize some dreams! Very much so Lillian!
Hank
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Hope is the wellspring of dreams. Make it so! 🙂
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This is such an encouraging and beautiful poem, Lillian 🙂 These lines are so inspiring:-
Lean. Push. Persevere.
March through unmarked trail.
Steps may stumble, pace may slow.
Hope shall light your way.
Best wishes to your friend 🙂
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Thank you…….she is an amazing woman and in the prayers of so many.
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Love this hope filed piece!
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Filled with hope, just like Louise! Thank you, Bryan.
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Powerful and inspiring poem.
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Thank you, Paul. You’ve written two words that also describe Louise 🙂
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