Poetry in Forms | Haphazard Creative

Category Archives: Poetry in Forms

Time to Time… And All Times

Posted on July 14, 2019 by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan 4 comments

A day like today, one can feel awash in time, especially me, cause my relationship with time is tenuous. Alex, my son, asked me this morning if I thought I would live to be 56. There have been times when I came close to checking out. Only by the grace of God am I here.

I think we do not know how often the Lord keeps some tragedy from happening, maybe that walk back to check the door, or having to change a little one’s clothes, or the misplaced article is actually the Savior at work.

I am thankful for both the bad and the good because the trouble taught me to be stronger and keep fighting to thrive. There are times maybe I just survive, but I am so grateful for the people and relationships that grace(d) my life. I enjoy so many blessings.

Life’s struggles are constant, but to overcome, oh, how sweet is the victory. Jesus is near to those who need Him and will in no wise desert His people who are called by His name.

I am touched by the people who say I make a difference, having so often felt inconsequential. When you spend a lot of time alone, doubt can invade your mind and inhibit your productivity. Positive words are so precious.

I try to encourage and inspire, but sometimes I can wallow in the mire. I appreciate those who throw me a life float when I am sinking into the quicksand. I know sometimes it takes a monster truck and chains to rescue me; I am grateful to you all too.

I am not sure exactly where this was going. I just want to thank all of you who have sent me well-wishes today. I am so glad I got to the church because I got some kind words and hugs, hugs are so special. Sunday School and Worship were terrific as well. Jesus was present.

I sincerely hope I make better use of the coming years than I have the past ones, but I would not miss what has gone before because the Lord has woven a tapestry of identity from all I have experienced and it was worth it all.

I was going to affix Freddie Mercury singing Time Waits For No One to this, but maybe not. You can find it on YouTube, the Offical video is best.

Time does, however, rush away like the water going over the falls. Live every moment to the fullest, never give up, remember happiness is an internal thing, you create it. Do your best to avoid wasting all that is given to you. If there are things, you dream of doing, to the best of your ability, do those. Find your creativity and employ it to enhance the world.

You are so very precious. God loves you, and God makes no junk. I love you, too, all of you mean so much. I think I should probably stop now. Sorry for running long.

This was posted to Facebook first.

I want to add a few things here. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given to have some poetry published. The social media communities in which I have been active have been supportive, and I am thankful for each person who has commented or liked or further interacted with my work and myself. I have been on the web since 1991 and put a lot of work out here.

I encourage you if you are creative, to invest sufficient time and effort in your work to hone your skills. Do not let negative thoughts stop you. Do not fear. Make it happen, cause happening is why you are here.

There are so many things, but it will wait. More than anything, know you matter. The world would be a lesser place without you. You are wonderfully made and specially fashioned for this, your time.

I need to be on here more. Sometimes I lose the belief that I make a difference. We are all liable to feel unworthy at times, we are though. We are here, and we belong.

As a quick prompt, explore your feelings about the passage of time and create an original work around your discovery.

The day comes running
Full of gifts, activities;
Freely, we grasp them.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. If you enjoyed what you read, please share, if you like follow the site or come back again. There is plenty to explore, and there is also my site at Chronicles, which contains my Creativity Project, which I did daily for a year and a half.

Tenderness

Posted on May 19, 2019 by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan 4 comments

I feel unworthy
Of all the blessings bestowed,
My weakness I know,
But God uses broken ones
To reach those who need His touch.

Sometimes the lesson
Is taught within the struggle,
We learn His mercy,
We can convey the message
To those mired in great distress.

Nothing without Him
Would I be, have, understand,
For Christ carried me
Through catastrophe, doubt, pain,
He is my Forever King.

Praise Jesus who is,
Was, and will always be, Love,
Sent to free captives,
To restore the fallen to
Life throughout eternity.

He holds our futures,
Jesus accompanies us
In our darkest hours,
He has not given us up,
He redeems and frees us all.

I feel unworthy
Of all the blessings bestowed,
My weakness I know,
But God uses broken ones
To reach those who need His touch.

This will likely appear in the July issue of the magazine I copy edit. I think the publisher chose it after I shared it with him.

Rallying

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan Leave a comment

This poem is written in the first person, but I assure you if you need to take its message to heart, it can apply as a rallying cry for more than only me. In fact, that is the only reason I shared. This was journaling work. A suggestion, if you are struggling with any sort of problem, try using a journal or even “Scraps Of Paper,” that is an old poem of mine, but a valid recommendation.

If fear is haunting you, look up, do not give in, do not give up. We can overcome fear, resistance, negativity, but it has always been, presently is, forever will be, a choice. The war is one of continual battles, but if we do not make an attempt so much will go undone, and the world will not become what it could be.

Choosing Freedom

Where I am right now,

Where I want to be today,

Kept apart by me.

I am the factor

Who must make many changes

To realize dreams.

No one else can do

Whatever it is I must;

The power is mine.

Christ gave me these gifts,

But He will not force my work;

I must create it.

Giftedness is not

Placed within to be wasted,

It has a purpose.

Procrastination,

My inadequate feelings,

I must overcome.

I have studied, learned,

Still, I lack enough belief

To discard my fear.

It, False Evidence

Appearing Real, I leave now

Outside, behind me.

I take confidence

As an armor, wrapped in faith,

And banish my doubt.

These abilities

Were put in me to help those

In need, set me free.

My aspirations

I must craft until they can

Join reality.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

If you need a prompt, consider creating something to rally yourself, which you can also share with others. All of us are consistently in need of positive influence and encouragement. There is a heaviness of unrealized hopes and dreams in our world today. Many are discouraged and barely keeping themselves alive. We need to help one another. Far too many are lost upon giving up.

I am grateful:

1. The positive influence of music has been helping me so much. I highly recommend YouTube music or if you have Amazon Prime, Prime Music. Both these can be streamed without commercials.

2. My dogs, Marbles, and Tribble, who challenge me to develop a greater degree of patience while providing companionship.

3. I am experiencing a rather extensively creative period.

4. Friends, who back me up when I get down into my soles.

5. Queen, The Rolling Stones, and a wide variety of Contemporary Christian Artists. Newsboys, “Crazy,” is a grand favorite.

All Right!

Everyone has problems
We all carry our deep scars,
But there is still hope;
All the things we have misplaced,
Innocence taken away,
Trust broken apart,
Truth found foul fabrication –
Healing still exists;
No matter our trials, troubles,
Love is real, we belong, hold on.
Life is a treasure –
Holy, precious, rare, unique,
Ultimately given
To bring us all transcendent
Blessings, love, peace, eternity.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I most sincerely hope you found something edifying and encouraging here. My purpose as I share is to arouse the creative genius in others and set other flames to dispelling the sadness I feel is so much a loose in our world currently. If you enjoyed the things in this posting, please check out other entries. If you like, follow this website, or come back when you have time.

Much love to you all, always,
Jo Ann

Beginnings, Always Follow

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan Leave a comment

Life returns, saying
Again, I have loved you once,
And will, Forever!

Prompt, if you should wish: Find a way to express the arrival of Spring, or whatever of any matter that crosses your mind today. You are creative, let creativity guide you.

May it fill a need

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan Leave a comment

2016-11-12 crumpled paper hawthorne

Reach for Forever

You’re still here today,
Though last night held bitter dark
Which nearly took you,
You fought the fight and survived,
You will battle on again.

This war, it never
Ends, but sometimes the winning
Becomes easier,
You find someone to help you,
Becoming like miracles.

Sometimes you reach out
With a little faith, and feel
Heaven touching you,
God’s embrace empowering
You, through love, to carry on.

You are not alone,
There are those who are rising
To the challenges
Of fortifying against
Death’s shade in its onslaught.

Do not consign to
Darkness, a self so gifted
By Christ that no one
Like yourself exists or will
In all the records of time.

You who see yourself
Damaged, insignificant,
Unworthy of life,
Are a precious treasure, made,
Endowed with unique purpose.

Chase those dark shadows
Out of your existence, rise
With fresh found meaning,
Become the person you know
Grace made you to be, alive.

Arise, walk, for you
Have missions to accomplish
Of such importance
You are exclusively meant
To creatively succeed.

A Prompt: If you will spend a few moments looking around you, then pick something and imbue it with some sliver of meaning, touching it with your creativity, you can make art or writing that might change your outlook. You might share it and wake someone to themselves in a new way they have forgotten or never noticed before.

You may fail to recognize it, but with your gifts and talents, the skills you have learned, you are an agent of change. Though change may cause fear it is the one constant in life. No matter where you are today, or even tomorrow, change will eventually exert pressure on you, to make you into a new being. You will still encompass who you are, but like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, you will leave what you were behind. You will carry an essence, but nothing will be quite the same.

If you have not done one lately, make a gratitude list. Here’s mine:

I am thankful:

I realized I need to read my own books more than those coming from the library. This because the books I purchase I need or want enough to invest.
My son, Alex, called and we had a good conversation.
I have done a little art lately.
Themes were available for free.
I have Tribble and Marbles to keep me company.

Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoyed your stay. If you like, follow Haphazard Creative, or come back when you wish.

All the best to you and yours. May God Bless and Keep You in All Times and through All Things.

Loss, New Grace, Conversation

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan 2 comments

In my time of absence here, I have been making an effort to recover. I lost Hope on October 10, after her battle with cancer. This is her last picture.

On November 21, I went to the shelter, which was a new thing for me, and adopted Marbles. Marbles is a Plott Hound/Border Collie mix. She is a much bigger dog, with more energy than any I have had, and she is a challenge. She has helped get me out of my head some, which is an improvement. Tribble and I are adjusting to this new personality in our home.

I would like to be able to say that the new puppy has made it all better, but that is a truism I cannot assert. She has made things different. I think the pain will be here for a while.

I hope all of you are having a fantastic holiday season.

I wrote this piece in my journal this morning and thought it worth sharing.

2018.11.26_Journal Writing

The fitful nightmares
Visiting in deepest night,
Cannot live in light.

I am thankful:

I had twelve wonderful years with Hope. She is free now of suffering.
I have a new friend in Marbles, to help me with my journey.
I did not awaken with a migraine today.
I have some of the best friends one could hope for in a turbulent life.
I read some outstanding books.
I have learned life, while not always easy, is always filled with generous rewards.
Love and hope remain even through the disasters of living.

As a prompt, write a mission statement of how your beliefs can lead you further on the paths of life you travel and help you deal with obstacles you encounter.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you found something edifying. If you like, follow the site or come again. I should be able to update somewhat more regularly going forward. My apologies to those who have missed me.

If life explodes your serenity, gather your love and hope, rebuild what is broken with faith that the future contains better experiences.

Be well and create something unusual at every opportunity.

Bytes, Bits, and Buffer Zones

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan Leave a comment

Computers with their networks of streaming information arriving from everywhere take in packets of bytes, and sometimes they buffer because of traffic in their lines of supply, but usually, the experience is almost seamless. However, at times, the buffering becomes a period of waiting for we humans. In reality, all we perceive on screens is a translation of a series of ones and zeroes into creative forms we understand.

A human being taught language from birth and reading, writing, the arts soon after, may gather information from the distant past, created by persons long deceased, but not indeed expired because their thoughts, ideas, individual creativity live as words or images captured in forms brought into the future, our present.

These interpretations of being are unknown to us until we encounter them and ingest them as packets we find useful. As they sit waiting outside our experience, they buffer in time. They are extant, valid, and exert influence, but until we discover them and peruse their content, we are unaware of their gifts. We do not know the minds who built our present. We, nonetheless, are unacknowledged beneficiaries of the contributions to the intellectual universe we have inherited.

Our processes of thought, creativity, intelligence, faith are not merely our own but are buttressed by everyone who has voiced and recorded some personal understanding throughout history. Our world, our society, our very being cries out for us to learn the lessons of those who bequeathed the lives we live through the exploration, exhortation, creations they left behind.

Books, paintings, photographs, recordings, movies, architecture, monuments, anything created has lessons to teach us if we take time to decipher the message. These things we who are conscious must protect from the ravages of those who would destroy bits of the past’s treasure because it does not conform to their worldview or the fashion of the moment. Freedom of expression is a right for all and everyone, including those who lived before us, and in essence, created our culture and our present.

We do not live as islands, we are immersed in the flow of history. We are free to dip into the stream when and where we like, but what lies in the buffer zone also has a presence and exerts pressure on our now that we may not discern, but is no less real.

If you wish to “live forever,” create something. If you only choose to journal, to doodle, do that. Create a legacy, leave a history. Leave a record of who you are and what you have learned. Your experience may be what someone needs to witness in order to become who they are meant to be. We do not intuit the specific reasons for our being, but we learn, love, give, create and so we leave thumbprints on the walls of time. We are and we matter, there is meaning and purpose in our lives.

Nothing is wasted. God in His wisdom does not make mistakes. No matter where you have been, are, or in the future go, your life is a rare and beautiful thing. It is no accident you are here, all eternity conspires to bring forth your offering to the world.

Tell the doubts, fears, negativity there is no place for them to shelter within you. Do what you must even as you fight to be courageous. You have the lives of millions supporting you, and you may touch millions along your journey, even after you are gone. Create a memory that will last through ages, and spend love as if your supply is unlimited because, in truth, it is.

The light reflected
In your eyes from other stars
Shines forevermore.

To know oneself well
Reading and writing are musts;
Outlining the soul.

Purpose to become
The person your heart reveals
When falling in love.

Owe the world nothing
But give others all you are,
Let love be your guide.

Hide nothing so real
You fear it may become lost
In its translation.

When tomorrow dies
Abandoned by the dreamers
Hope will still survive.

Weak, broken, and torn,
The pages of your story
Will yet be written;
For isolated moments
Do not the ending portend.

An accident, no,
I believe there is reason,
Even little things
Have significant meaning,
God guides every action, word.

As a prompt, delve into the work of the past and see what it may teach you, then express what you have learned in word or image.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. If you have found something, you enjoyed, please share with others, follow, and come back again soon. Blessings on you and all you set your mind to do. Create, love, be present, make your moments memorable. You have so much to give and share, never doubt you are precious and significant.

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