Thursday 30 April 2009

Shoulders Of Love
















My dear friend Sweetmango wrote a poem for me and three other of her friends. In her dedication she wrote this is ‘for b, r, v and for s with so much love, so much love, never let go of hope or love, you just never know what lies around the corner, life is full of beautiful surprises. I love you.

Between the Lines Lies Hope and Love

Amidst the chaos and confusion
a beacon flashed
amidst the upheaval and pain
hope flickered, wavering
yet somehow constant
hope had a name
a name that lay like honey on your lips
a name that lay like a rope
thrown to the fodder of davey jones
‘this is the last time
I cant keep doing this’
that is the thought that dragged itself
across your brow,
that lay heavy on your shoulders
yet there was this
part
a
piece
of you that knew this time
was different
but fear stalked its prey
and you lay grey and silent
a heavy pall draped over you
and hope sat opposite you
talked to you
listened to you
and
waited
quietly
for you
to
reach out.
for that is the thing with hope
it can only sit in front of you
you have to reach
for it with both hands
hold tightly and never let go.
pull it close to you
caress it with your eyes
until you know its shape
its form
serenade it with your ears
until you understand its song
its lilting melody
that lifts you whenever you are near
lean close to hope
put your lips against hers
and breath deeply of her
calm and still being.
breath her
until you
no longer exist
the way you were
then release your breath and
watch the past, the worry, the tears
drift out of your mouth
like dust motes
on a sunbeam in the late afternoon
of winter
watch them
look at them
see them for what they are
small bits of nothing
that accumulated into large
pieces of fear
that stained your soul
leaving the present
a thing of the past.
kiss hope on the lips
fully, tenderly and passionately
kiss her
kiss her
kiss her
tell her your fears
and let her touch your face
and whisper in your ear
things you cant begin to understand
but have always known.
lay down beside hope
and let her hold you
and for the first time in a long time
close your eyes and rest
…your heart
…your mind
…your inner voice
shhhhhh
drift away to the other side
and dance with her
close your eyes and dance
and be free
look up at the sky
and sing your truth
kiss the earth
and praise your journey
hold your arms out and spin
in circles
and when you stop,
ahhh…when you stop
you will see
that hope
was
love
that love sat in your heart
that love was the brightness amidst the grey
that love held your hand
and kissed your brow
and walked beside you
and whispered to your soul
that love was all you ever needed
because love really
was everything.
kiss hope on the lips
for hope is really a cloak draped
over the shoulders of love
and love turns her back on
no-one.
kiss her
and
be free.

~~ written by Sweetmango ~~

I personally believe that this is one of the most beautiful mixing of words I have ever read to help me understand hope and love.

‘for that is the thing with hope it can only sit in front of you you have to reach for it with both hands’ ‘hold your arms out and spin in circles and when you stop, ahhh…when you stop you will see that hope was love’ ‘because love really was everything. kiss hope on the lips for hope is really a cloak draped over the shoulders of love and love turns her back on no-one.’

Sweetmango I love you and you are brilliant.

http://sweetmango-sweetmango.blogspot.com/

61 comments:

Ces Adorio said...

That's great that so many people think sweetly of you dearest Renee and I know why. You are the most loving, the funniest, wittiest, smartest, cursin' woman I have ever known.

Lost Aussie said...

This is a lovely piece. Such wonderful words!

Ingrid Mida said...

That is an exquisitely beautiful poem. I can feel the love and hope that circles me now with your generous gift of sharing it with the world.
Thank you Renee.

Lori ann said...

It hard to find the right words...
Thank you Dear Renee and Michelle for sharing this beautiful poem and the amazing truth of the power of LOVE.
Much Love to you both.
♥ lori

Unknown said...

renee, renee, renee

i have been so frustrated and upset today and now i know why-- i NEEDED to read these words of love- i did- thank you for sharing xx

Chrisy said...

I read this and, as it progressed, got the goosebumps...what a pleasure to read...the words caress you...thank you to Sweetmango...and to you Renee for sharing...

Michelle said...

Wow!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting that lovely poem right now - I could use a message of hope.

Tessa said...

I'm weeping now. The tears are a mixture of longing and loss and hope and redemption and a deep sense of being there, gently spinning and dancing in a miasma of love and grief and exaltation. A poem with such resonance as to leave one breathless. Exquisite.

Anonymous said...

It is truly special, what a beautiful bundle of gifted words and feelings. Hope you are having a great day today! The painting is beautiful also. Thank you so much for sharing!

Deepa Gopal said...

OMG..thts such a beautiful poem, Renee. Such a sweet friend:)
I loved the lines...almost all the lines..so meaningful

"hope flickered, wavering
yet somehow constant
hope had a name
a name that lay like honey on your lips
a name that lay like a rope"

&

"for that is the thing with hope
it can only sit in front of you
you have to reach
for it with both hands
hold tightly and never let go."

Many more are there...Lovely poem. Donot let it go Renee.

Hugs, hugs & more hugs
Deepa.

Random York said...

I really enjoy your artwork!

yoborobo said...

That is a beautiful poem - what a talented writer. And what a lovely gift to you! :)

Manon said...

Wow! What an exceptionally moving and beautiful poem this was! Wow!
The painting you posted was perfect for these words!

Yoli said...

I have tears in my eyes! How sweet and touching. A beautiful friend.

Deborah said...

Oh. My. Goodness. That is brilliant and lovely and beautiful. I felt myself drifting, spinning with her words. Sweetmango, I think I love you! And you too, Sweet Renee. **blows kisses** Deborah

Once Upon A Blue Crow said...

Amen. I'm blown away-so beautiful. Love swept me right up in her arms.

Marion said...

I can't remember when I've read a more moving, perfect, hope and love-filled poem. You are truly rich with amazing friends, dear Renee. Blessings...

Coreopsis said...

This is a truly amazing poem--I am so moved by it--the images to express it. I hope that I will always be able to reach out my two hands to it.

I'm going to send this link to several people I know who need to read this too (if that's okay with you).

Art by Darla Kay said...

That is a beautiful poem Renee! That's also a beautiful painting too.

Unknown said...

oh what a wonderful poem....it is amazing what love can do....

Bless you!!!

Hugs
Diana

angela recada said...

Sweet Sweetmango always gets to the essence so beautifully! Hope and love, love and hope, it all comes down to this.

Thank you, dear Renee, for sharing this beautiful poem with us.
xoxoxox

Julie said...

Gorgeous poem! I need to bookmark it for a time when I will really, really need to see those words again.

Anil P said...

Inspiring.

The poem cannot but put a spring in the steps. The poem came straight from the heart.

Hope makes the world go, and us with it.

Dennis Pyritz, RN said...

I continue to appreciate your very creative approach to blogging. I have added you to my Cancer Blogs Links OPage. Take care, Dennis beingcancer.net

Karin Bartimole said...

Hi Renee,
What a beautiful dedication and poem- see what you help to inspire?!
I've been bad. I get your posts delivered to my email box subscription, so I've been reading them all there, where i can't comment, but savor again and again on my own without logging on. I thought I should let you know though, I sent birthday smiles to your dear Nathan, and loved getting to know him through you.
I have something *real* in the works that will be heading your way soon :) until then, my good wishes and love are flying to you via my mind's wings again and again and again through each day,
karin

Anonymous said...

Dearest Renee, you can have the painting that I am creating at the moment(is this the one you are referring too), it would be a pleasure to be a gift to you. I truly mean this from the bottom of my heart.
The painting is yours and I will finish it of beautifully for you!

The postage would be quite high around £30.00 uk as it is larger than small parcel. If you could help me with this. I can have the painting measured and weighed to see the exact price.

Thank you so much Renee for your caring and thoughtful messages. I have certainly had some really helpful messages in saying just keep going.
I do truly believe in this latest angel so much.
Mark is going to get my Picasso book out from the outhouse/brick shed for me when he comes home.
I love Picasso, he is one of my favorite artists.
I think I am going to use a chunky wonderful bodies. Thinking it will work on them.


Lots of love and hugs!

Julie-ann

Anairam said...

What a lovely poem and what a sweet friend you have to dedicate it to you. Someone once said (and I can't remember who) that what is needed to live a happy life is something to do, something to love and something to hope for, I think that is true, don't you? Thanks for sharing your hopes and dreams and fears with us ...

Sue said...

Incredibly beautiful and meaningful poem. Sweetmango has a real gift at putting words down and conveying so much feeling, emotion, thought and insight.

Thank you so much Renee for sharing this with us - anyone reading it will awed at the wisdom and brilliance in these words.

Shelly said...

"but fear stalked its prey
and you lay grey and silent
a heavy pall draped over you
and hope sat opposite you
talked to you
listened to you
and
waited
quietly
for you
to
reach out"

exquisite - lovely - eloquent ... this excerpt gives me hope

Anonymous said...

A beautiful poem dedicated to beautiful women. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Love, Barb

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh this is brilliant, stunning, heart wrenching and hope filling. What a wonderful gift!! So glad you shared such a precious thing with us! Beautiful job Sweet Mango!! Love, Sarah

Rosaria Williams said...

Truly powerful words. You know that it was written just for you; and it must mean so much more to you than to any of us. It is an uplifting poem.

Linda said...

wonderful,expressive, and full of familar feelings.Lindax

BT said...

Renee, what a perfect gift from SweetMango. It is so beautiful and uplifting, yet at times, sad. For if we lose hope, we lose all. Hope is love. We all love you Renee.

Jeanne Estridge said...

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

soulbrush said...

what an artist
what a friend
you
are
truly
blessed.

Michelle said...

Dear Othermom Renee, I would not have missed my appointment if I felt there was anything wrong, I promise :), all appears to be healing well and I am going this Monday WITHOUT FAIL.love Michelle xxxx

Michelle said...

Bossy boots! *pokes out tongue*

Anonymous said...

Hi Renee, super news, yes it is the flower angel in process. Hurray!
Thank you so much for your support. It as been a day and half. I have had two cups of tea all day and have an head ache from lack of fluid. So I drank Mark cola, mmmm! Don't worry it is a big bottle and left him some,lol!

I haven't painted today, but it is weekend I love to paint on a Saturday, as Charlotte likes to sit next to me and paint or play with my paint tubes. I love listening to her stories. Daddy plays with her also. So all you hear is so much fun and laughter.
Your angel will be finished surrounded by lots of fun and joy!

All my love to you Renee!

Jamie Lott said...

That was absolutely lovely!

Pip and I thank you for visiting our giveaway. Comments are now closed....Pip will be choosing his new home shortly....stay tuned!

Jamie ~ The Beldame

TheChicGeek said...

Oh my goodness, this is a beautiful poem. What a gift for a sweet friend to give you! I was given the Renee Award and after visiting your page I am truly honored. You are a very special person :D
Have a Beautiful Day!

Taylor said...

I would like to say I enjoy reading as much as you Auntie Renee; but then I would not be doing your joy and passion for reading justice...

When I read this piece I just wanted to read and write and read some more.

brilliantly eloquent is right.

xoxo.
Taylor.

Ps. perhaps sweetmango would enjoy the book 'the shack' i finished it yesterday after 2 days, it may sprout many ideas within her...

Gberger said...

I was just reading about Julian of Norwich today, and some of her writings, and this splendid poem is a gorgeous, original way of saying what Julian learned: life is about love. How blessed you are to have such a friend; you deserve it! Thank you for sharing the poem with us.

Bella Sinclair said...

Oh, Renee. Truly moving words. Beautiful words, and to know they were loving laid with you in mind is...overwhelmingly touching.

Do you know what else I love about this poem? The way the words run down the page -- they almost look like the blips of a heart on a monitor. She is genius with her word art.

Thank you, Sweetmango!

ps. I am in love with this painting!
xoxo

Zion Girl said...

What a lovely poem.
Love...Sweet Love
Brooke

Elizabeth said...

Wow. I read this poem so avidly and I, too, was drawn to the exact same passage that you pulled out, Renee. What a magnificent poem that reaches so many people.

I'm reaching out, with both hands. Instead of one.

Sydney said...

That she is, and with poetry pouring out of her these days. Love will do that to you! :-)

Ces Adorio said...

Hi Doll, yes, the cursin' sister, I have plans for her...she's a sage, very feisty and she kicks butt. Reminds me of someone.

kj said...

dear dearest renee, how are you today? i knew you were going to post this poem today and as you now know i may have a crush on sweet mango (i hope she won't mind).

the absence of hope is despair. for me, i lose hope when i become afraid. when i am not afraid i hold on to hope tightly.

love you, renee. i lok forward to your blog and hearing from you and shouting the f word when it's healing time.

this is my favorite part:

for that is the thing with hope
it can only sit in front of you
you have to reach
for it with both hands
hold tightly and never let go.
pull it close to you
caress it with your eyes
until you know its shape
its form
serenade it with your ears
until you understand its song
its lilting melody
that lifts you whenever you are near
lean close to hope
put your lips against hers
and breath deeply of her
calm and still being.
breath her
until you
no longer exist
the way you were
then release your breath and
watch the past, the worry, the tears
drift out of your mouth
like dust motes
on a sunbeam in the late afternoon
of winter

yay sweet mango! yay renee!

Ces Adorio said...

That's where I was born!

LaWatha said...

Renee, I love visiting your blog. I never know what I'm going to read about when I stop in, but it's always heart-warming, touching, inspiring... I am always drawn in by the love that you show, the love that is shown to you- each and every time I stop in to catch up on your writings.

What a precious gift from SweetMango- thank you both for sharing.

studio lolo said...

Dear renee,

Whoa! Intensely beautiful poem. The art blows me away too. I wish I could paint like that. It reminds me a little of John Singer Sargeant's work.
I love this part of the poem...
"you will see
that hope
was
love
that love sat in your heart
that love was the brightness amidst the grey
that love held your hand
and kissed your brow
and walked beside you
and whispered to your soul
that love was all you ever needed."

Isn't that what the Beatles tried to tell us...all you need is love?

mmmmmm, nice post sister raven. Very nice.

love you,
Lolo

A Cuban In London said...

That's such a lovely poem. Many thanks to sweetmango and to you for posting it.

Greetings from London.

kathy hare said...

That is so beautiful...
xoxoxo

Woman in a Window said...

OH. Those are not sweet nothings. They are very sweet somethings. Chills. And hope.

Anonymous said...

I am so thrilled that so many have seen so much in these words. All of you are so beautiful and so full of love yourselves.
I am more than happy for this poem to by passed on to as many people as you like. Love is not mine to keep, and these words are love, nothing more and nothing less, just love.
Renee you have the most wonderful friends on this blog, the love they have for you is just wonderful...but then they are seeing you the way i see you!
I LOVE YOU more than you know.
:)
xxmango

Kate James said...

This is such a thoughtful, beautiful piece of poetry.

I'm going to print it out and keep it close to read again. Thank you for sharing it Renee and Sweetmango, for weaving together love and hope in such a poignant way.

trash talk said...

Faith, Hope, and Love...a trinity to embrace you. This was what I thought as I read this beautiful piece of art that your friend composed. And You are a cherished woman, obviously.
Debbie

Caroline said...

What a beautiful poem so well complemented by that wonderful painting.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Renee,

What a beautiful poem from a friend.

Thank you for sharing.

Hugs
Carolyn