The Poetry Marathon

Clamor with joy and jubilation!
Stand up and give thanks for the day.
Commend what God has done!
Leave doubt and refuse skepticism.
Praise with delight and elation!
Serve God with sublime song.
Exalt His name!

A flower blooms
as beautiful as its gardener foretold.
In a garden only of weeds
with bold and bright petals.

One predicted a flower
so magnificent and nurtured ever so gently.
Fragrantly tender, sweet as cinnamon
rising above lifeless soil of thistles.

Shout a new slogan!
Shout loud for all to hear,
never forgetting its jingle and
being proud of its appeal.
Declare it everywhere,
shouting over and over loudly!
Yet, truth is constant, quiet, sober, and gentle.

Hasten to listen

like grass springing after a rainfall

Hear every utterance

Words Matter

Refrain use of a quick tongue

before action seems foolish

For what is said can thud like stone

Words Matter

Relieve stress

allow bitterness to not inhibit your mouth

Mercy is the only language

Words Matter

My name is Daniel.  I am first time marathon participant.  I have rarely written poetry; and do not consider myself an avid reader of poetry.  I am joining this marathon to expose myself to something new; to challenge myself; to feed my need to create; to meet new people; and to share in this communal experience.

I am a folk art enthusiast, a collector of creches, an appreciator of early music, a baker, a believer, and a creative.

Solving problems is something I love to do in addition to innovate, develop systems, design things, write, think, and strategize.

Seeing the future as a fixed destination is something I do not do.  Instead, I see it as a place I create out of the choices I make right now.  I live in the moment.  This does not mean that I do not have a plan or plans.  I do.

I am drawn towards people to help them experience success.  Each individual is a work in progress and their potential is all I see.  I am fueled by the sign of growth in others.  This brings me strength and satisfaction.  I hope others can realize that my helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to me.

Time alone for musing and reflection is very important to me.  I like to think.  I like mental activity.  I am introspective. A mental hum is one of the constants of my life.

I derive a great pleasure and strength from being around close friends.  I am comfortable with intimacy.  I deliberately encourage a deepening of relationships, accepting the risk that this certain kind of closeness implies.

These themes: adaptability, development, intellect, and relator will help prepare me for the marathon.

Thank you for reading,

Daniel