press

life has escaped

across the divide of

the otherworld

that far awaynear place

i find my dreams

boomeranged

into a u turn

of the probable

impossible

the really here

glistens and swallows

my tears into a gulf

of  de lite

renewable peace

fullfilled

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved

poem: the call of the sweet today

*note:  i wrote this poem in 2004 and included it in my book, Nonnie And The Butterfly in 2008.  it  is about the trials of life, hanging tough through it all, and eventually coming out the other side...stronger and joyous ("the sweet today"). basically it is about looking within, throwing out the crap stuff...and holding onto the good and needed. it is about LIFE.

personally, i am now in the "sweet today" part of my journey (reflected in the latter portion of the poem). i don't say this lightly. life has been a long hard slog/climb/walk/marathon. but today is  even sweeter because i made it through the muck and over to the light of love. selah. i am utterly grateful to Christ. i hope you enjoy! -peace

*******

how many years has it been?

how many hours have you spent

waking to the morning light

tossing and turning

happily desiring

the embrace of insanity

walking through your life

as if a ghost of discontentment

carelessly wondering about

that certain unsettling sensation

allowing it to overtake your soul

fear has indeed become your partner

thoughts of past brutality,

harsh memories, lost dreams,

unmet needs cling to your spirit

acknowledgement somehow seems like an unsavory feast

you try to reason it all away

don’t feel, don’t touch, don’t remember

instead you smile, you laugh

you love

no, you don’t love

you don’t love because

you don’t know how to anymore

you are incapable because

you have let death hold your hand

anxiety and worry roam freely inside your heart

you loved like a child once

before the pain

now your love reveals the mark of an empty vessel

draining you into the darkest of oblivion you run on nothingness

nothing to give in truth, clamouring for hope

an exercise in futility

one day you will wake and movement will leave you

you will try to turn and your body will protest

your heart and spirit refusing to drown again

in its continuous state of desperation

because they yearn for peace and calmness

desiring to soak up the forgotten gift of joy

they will turn on you

that is the day you will begin to listen

you have no choice

you belong to them

on that day your heart will yell that it has had enough

your spirit will grab your stubbornness and turn it inside out

enough hiding, enough pretending, enough of the facade

enough, enough, enough
dear precious lord

enough

it is done

you have lost your battle

your rescuer has pushed up through the earth of your spirit

and has planted new seeds of hope upon your dying heart

you will face the known unknown of pain

your soul will screen the horrors of locked away minutes

crashing purposefully into your eyes

you will cry, scream, and suffer

a blessed moment in time

you will begin to realize that the struggle was over

even before you started to deny yourself all of those years ago

the battle never belonged to you

yet, you fought

warring against yourself

will you continue to struggle?

refusing to see the beauty that gracefully lines your face

turning from the loveliness that has attached itself

to your being over the many years

choosing to shut your mind to

the wonderment of lessons learned

through the pain of time

today

fight it if you like

you will lose

today

is the hour to lift your hands to the heavens

and let its gentleness fold into your heart

today

you will find the strength to push through

the searing fire of past mistakes

failed choices

lost and unrealized love

today

the angels will surround you in a glorious ring of freedom

grace and faith clothing you in wisdom

today

you will remember what it is like to live with childlike abandon

surrendering into the arms of the divine father

today

your passion will embrace the life of love

which has been your gift

all along

today

is destined to be the sweetest of all

the acceptance of love

the completeness of

you

******

Copyright 2008 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved (From the published book Nonnie and the Butterfly)

waited

today feels historic. i am not sure why but it feels as it the earth has been cut in two. top to bottom. revealing a beautiful golden wing of wisdom. and i am to climb upon its softness away (and beyond) to another space and zone. a place where i have never been. but it knows my name. it has been waiting for me. for many moons. patiently clinging to hope and wishing for my arrival. so, here i am now.  at the threshold of another existence called part two.

i am as ready as i will ever be.

peace. be with me.

selah.


Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved

precipice

all has been handed to the spin

feeling the whirl of breath's blow

eyes rested, gripped upon the rim

anticipation beats into the stillness

destiny bequeaths out a white stone

lettered language entangled upon it

a ticket deciphered through love

moment dances
life whispered a blink
time tocked out its birth

release

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved (from the published book Nothing Cool About Ten, available on http://www.smashwords.com/)

my dear poetry....

....i so adore you.

it is beautifully quiet

here in the castle.

just you and i together.

so i shall search the pockets

of your wisdom.

your touch is my solace.

pen. paper.

inspiration.

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved (from the published book Nothing Cool About Ten, available on http://www.smashwords.com/)

Part One: The Treasure Hunt

**i wrote this short story, The Treasure Hunt, many moons ago. it appears in my published book: Nonnie And The Butterfly. i love this story! so have a read (it is in three installments) and i hope that you enjoy it too!

****************************

The Treasure Hunt

I felt a tap of warm love on my shoulder. It was God: loving, tender, and filled with life. It was also about 2am in the morning! You see, God and I are friends. He is my Father, My Protector and My Great Love. But, yes, we have a very special friendship. Truth be told, God is just simply ALL THINGS. And, well, one of the many things that we love to do together is to play games! The beautiful morning hours are our special time together. Yep, just me and God. God and I. The two of us.


Well, this morning was no different from any other...apparently. "Wake up Reggie", He whispered into my ear. "Yes My Lord? I'm awake. I think," I said with sleep in my voice.

"I have something to ask you," He said as He handed me a cup of hot cocoa.

"Thanks God! May I have four marshmallows in my cocoa, please?" I asked.

"Yes Reg. Four?" He queried.

"Uh huh...four! Thank you!", I responded with a big chocolate smile.

As I sipped, God began to speak (well tried to anyway), "Reg...."

"Hey God", I interrupted, "would you like a sip?".

"No thank you Reg but I AM trying to ask you something. Are you listening or are you speaking? The choice of fewer words is always a wise one, by the way," He said. Then He reached to give me a love tap. Convicted with love! The story of my life with GOD.

"Forgive me God, I'm listening," I said.

"Well, I'd like to play another game with you," God stated.

"FOR SURE! Which one?" I asked excitedly.

"Treasure Hunt!" He said.

"Well, that sounds intriguing! I'm in!" I said through big gulps of cocoa.

"Follow me then", He said. He took my hand gently and I skipped after Him happily. Into the living room we went. "Okay, now close your eyes while I put everything for the Treasure Hunt into place," He said. As He was setting up and creating His game, I decided to say a little prayer. Well, I thought that it might give me a boost during the hunt!

I started, "Dear God, I ask you for your strength and wisdom...."

"No cheating!" God interrupted. "You have to do it all on your own."

"What? Why? How? I don't think that I know how to do anything on my own anymore God!!!!" I panicked.

"Just kidding, Reg!" He said as He roared with divine laughter.

"Yep. That's My God. The one with the huge sense of humour!" I said, shaking my head. "Very funny," I thought as He calmed my nerves.

Not too long after, I felt another one of God's love taps on my shoulder. "Open your eyes", He said. "It is time to seek and find your treasure!"

While this game sounded amazingly fun, at the same time, I was a bit perplexed. "Where do I start Lord?" I asked.

"At the beginning." He responded.

"Thanks God, that, was, erm, to the point. You are an Entity of few words indeed!" I sighed.

"Here, grab My Hand. I'll show you where to start. Right here. Start here."

"Okay, Forever thankful Lord", I said.

I looked to my left, then spun around with a flourish, as one does when one has a tendency to be dramatic, and looked right. Flourish or not, I still couldn't seem to find my way. I was lost already!

"Reg, right here," God said. "Look straight ahead and WALK the path which lies in front of you. But be careful as it is a bit narrow. Wise and calm will keep you in good stead."

As God had instructed, I looked, and walked, straight ahead. But after I took a few steps, and being the clumsy girl that I am, I started to tumble. "Whoa! GOD!" I screamed, dramatically, of course. In the blink of an eye, God reached out, stopped me from falling, and placed me back onto the narrow path. "Are you okay, Reg?" He asked as He looked over me lovingly for any bruising.

"Yes God. I am a little bit shaken, but I am fine. I knew you would catch me though! Thank you...again," I said.

I started off again. I then realised that, while I had an idea of what path to take, well, I had NO idea what I was searching for. "God, what is it exactly that I am searching for? What am I seeking?", I asked.

"TREASURE", He smiled.

Yes, He was certainly a God of few words, I thought to myself.

"I heard your thoughts just then young lady. Just remember: Those who have knowledge use words with restraint," He said.

"Please forgive me Dear Lord but one of my favourite verses says: Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge," I said. "Can you please help me a bit more, Father?" I asked.

"Certainly! Ask no further! And, nice one by the way", He said. "You've been reading up on me. Good girl! Here, I will give you five clues of instruction:

1) You are looking for "a peace which surpassed all understanding",

2) you must show me the meaning of everlasting love,

3) you must discover humility,

4) you are to find "the calm in the storm". We will call it "contentment". And

5) you must bring patience to me in the palm of your hand."

"What?" I thought. He has thrown the gauntlet down for sure! What a challenge. Well, there are many things that I know about my God and one of those things is this: He is challenging but He never overloads me with things that I can't handle. And, when I am feeling tired I just simply cry out for a GOD-INFUSION (well, most times anyway!)! Yet in still, I was a little bit worried. I then heard God say "Look up!" And as I did, I read FAITH in His eyes. I was ready to begin. But first, I had somethings that I wanted to say to God. I prayed, "You are beautiful and you are amazing. Thank you ever so much for the lessons that I am sure to receive. Please open my heart, Dear Lord so that your knowledge, wisdom and compassion may freely flow into me. I love you. AMEN."

"I know that you love me, Reg", God said. (That made me smile. AMEN)

"Off you go then! Find your special PEACE!" God shouted gleefully. (cont)

Link to Part Two of the story: http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/12/part-two-treasure-hunt.html

Link to Part Three of the story: http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/12/part-3-treasure-hunt.html

*******

Copyright 2008 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved From the published book: Nonnie And The Butterlfy

Part Two: The Treasure Hunt

I held my breath and began to believe that I could find my Godly treasures. My eyes were suddenly directed to the living room couch. There I saw my visiting Mother sleeping soundly. I walked over to her and looked down at her beautiful face. She looked like an angel. A small and delicate woman with a heart of gold and fire in her eyes. I placed my hand on her tummy.

"Here," I said to God. "Here it is....my Mommy's womb. It is where you created me. It is where I first remember feeling that "special" kind of peace: protected, loved, not afraid, bold, and free. You built this space, for me. With your Hand, God."

I said, "She used to sing to me you know?".

"Yes she did. A voice of an angel," said God. "Do you remember the song that I taught you to sing while you where in your Mother's womb?" He asked.

"Yes Lord, I remember. Everyday at 6am, I think it was, you gave me a singing lesson! I would wake and you would sing in the most beautiful and calming of voices: If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast." I said. "It is still my favourite Psalm."

"So, yes, God, my mother's womb. I think it is the peace that surpasses all understanding. Am I correct?" I asked.

"You have done well Reg." God said with a kiss. "Now onto your second task: everlasting love."

"Oh, everlasting LURVVVVVE!" I said as I looked off dreamily. I looked over to find God shaking His head in amusement. "Reg, the everlasting love that you are seeking in this Treasure Hunt is NOT of this world." He explained. "It is a love that does not require a return, it is free flowing, seeking and wanting only the best for another. It is selfless and giving. It is patient and kind. This is the love that you are seeking." He said.

"Oh!", I said, a bit startled. "I was thinking that you were speaking about the kind of love that you see in the movies! You know...passionate kisses, strolls in the park, candlelight dinners!"

"No Reg. I'm talking about AGAPE. My love. It is the kind of love that is unconditional, spontaneous, and continual. No strings attach. An IN DWELLING." He said.

"Oookay!" I said, trying desperately to look as if I understood.

"Don't worry Reg" God said. "I think that you will do just fine Let's begin."

At that point, I started twirling for some reason. Twirling, twirling, and twirling some more. Waves of childlike laughter overwhelmed me. I was just having the best time! When I became dizzy...I stopped. I stood right in front of a picture of a lil gurl with God in her eyes. "SARAH!", I yelled out! That's why I was twirling! Sarah was THE PRINCESS OF TWIRLING! It was her favorite thing. Sarah could twirl ANYWHERE. At the beach, on the Opera House stairs, in stores, and on sidewalks. It was all the same to her! And she did it with a smile filled with laughter. Nor did she care if she fell over into a joyous heap!

Well, there she was, smiling back at me in the most beautiful picture that I have ever seen. I picked it up and kissed it. Let me tell you something about my friend Sarah. The fruit of The Spirit? The beautiful characteristics that we see in Christ? Yep, she has them all (well, as much as any human angel could have at least!): joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Her whole being exuded the LOVE OF GOD.

I caught my breath. Could it be Sarah? Was SHE everlasting love? "GOD! I found it! Everlasting love. It is here! Right here in my lil angel friend Sarah! " I said.

"Sarah is the treasure. AM I right God?"

God looked at me, smiled and we both cried ot together "ITS ALL LOVE!". I fell into His arms bent over in laughter and joy! I had found it...everlasting love. Not candlelight dinners and walks through the park but TRUE LOVE. God's love!

And there I was holding a picture of the little girl who possessed the spirit so profoundly and deeply AND I was in GOD'S arms! A very delicious moment in time.

After a while, God gently guided me to the middle of the living room floor again. "What's the next treasure to find God?"

"Humility." He said. "And I'd like for you to search in here."

I looked over and saw Him placing, on the floor, the most beautiful treasure chest imaginable. It reminded me of one that a Pirate would have been happy to find as he sailed the deep blue seas on his journey. "What is this, God?" I asked.

"It is where I keep my very special mementos," He said. "Here, have a look. See what you can find. Just be gentle. You will find that humility is delicate in many ways. However, at it core you will find true and great strength."

At that point I saw a beautiful light in His eyes. "Wow" I thought. "Whatever I am looking for must be truly special to God. And loved."

I began to search through God's very own personal momentos. Tucked away in the corner, at the bottom, I saw a glowing beautiful cloth. I picked it up and proceeded to unwrap it. What was inside took my breath away. It was the most loving pair of eyes that I had ever seen. I took them out of their protective covering and placed first one, and then the second one on the palm of my hand. I raised my hand to eye level and peered into them. They were strikingly deep of in colour. Like God's night sky with twinkling stars. Kind, meek, gentle, and strong. Humility pervaded them. Yes, this is what I was seeking. Humility. Right there. In a pair of eyes which looked like the sparkling dark ocean's surface. A Pirate's delight. A true treasure.

I turned to God, knelt on my knees, bowed my head, and lifted my hand to Him so He could view the eyes. I said softly, "Lord, I think that these are the most humble eyes that I have ever encountered. Is this the treasure?"

"Yes, Reg, and aren't they beautiful?" He asked.

"Yes Lord. Please take them. These eyes should be with you always." I said.

"Yes Reg. You are correct. They normally are. I placed them in your path so that you could partake in their beauty. So that you could "see"." He said.

With that, God gently picked up THE EYES and placed them in His heart.

"There Reg, now they are in the proper place and you had a chance to know of their humility and beauty too." I am pleased.

"Me too, God. Me too." (con't)


Link to Part Three of the story: http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/12/part-3-treasure-hunt.html

Link to Part One of the story: http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/12/part-one-treasure-hunt.html

*****

Copyright 208 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved, from the published book Nonnie and The Butterfly

Part Three: The Treasure Hunt

Then, just as suddenly, the wind began to kick up a great fuss in the living room. A mighty storm was brewing in the ceiling above! I looked around to find God but He had disappeared. No matter, I knew that He was still with me. I felt myself being tossed to and fro, back and forwards, and side to side. I tried to scramble under the table but the wind tossed it over and onto on its top. BOOM! A crash of thunder! Lightning and rain filled the room. The wind began to toss me toward the glass sliding door strongly. I was frightened.

"GOD! HELP ME! PLEASE!" I screamed.

"Stand up." I heard a calm voice whisper.

"WHAT??? No way. I'm scared!!!"

"STAND UP!" the voice repeated itself. This time a bit louder.

So, I attempted to stand...wobbling uneasily to my feet. Eventually, I stood. Upright and stable. Right in the middle of the worse storm that one could ever experience in their very own living room!

I began to feel a calmness envelop me. The winds were still raging, the thunder clapping, and the rains pouring. But there I stood. Tall, fearless, and unbowed.

I STOOD STILL. "Yes, I see" I said. "This must be contentment." There is was. Right in the middle of the storm. "Is this it, God?" I yelled over the storms loud clamour. "Is this contentment?"

In an instant the storm subsided. "Yes Reg, contentment it is. Never forget that serenity can be found in the most difficult of times. Just call My Name. I am always with you." He then looked through my eyes and said, "It's simple, lean on me always. My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness."

Then God said, "One more Reg. And My will be done. It is time for you to seek PATIENCE."

"Oh no!" I groaned. "God, really, I don't think that I can find patience."

"Have you learned nothing my child? No, YOU can't find patience. You have tried for 43 years. Your power lies within me. It is there that you will be able to find patience. BY MY SPIRIT," God boomed.

"And by the way, your grumbling is becoming a little bit annoying regarding this issue of patience. I am teaching you a lesson because I LOVE YOU. It is not my intention to hurt you. THAT, in fact, is impossible." God gently then gave me a love tap. Convicted with love. AGAIN!

Truth be told, I still had a grumbling spirit as I went off in pursuit of patience. It had eluded me for most of my life. Why should it be any different now? And, really, I just didn't "feel" like trying to find it AGAIN. Well, as they say, FAITH is not a feeling. It is just something that you do. So I decided to stand on faith and upon God's grace. He had been so good to me. What was there to lose? And besides, He was the BEST playmate that a girl could EVER have! Straight ahead I walked. Onto the narrow path.

I searched high and low...for hours. I looked under the couch (trying not to wake my mother who was still fast asleep.) searched behind all of the books on the shelf, and looked behind all of the pictures on the wall. Well, PATIENCE was NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. I searched again. Over and over. EVERYWHERE. I even called it's name, "PATIENCE, come out, come out, where ever you are." It kept hiding.

Much like a spoiled child I stomped my foot (twice, even) in frustration, and plonked down on the floor. Right in front of GOD. I gave Him my best scowl-arms-folded-one-eyebrow-up look.

"Lord", I said exasperated.

"Yes", He of few words replied.

"I simply can't find it!" I pouted.

"Well, what do you do when you can't find something, Reg?", God asked.

"Umm, pray?" I answered.

"Yes, and...."

"OH, and ask! But not before praising your Holy and blessed name, of course!" I said with excitement.

"HALLELUJAH!!!" God roared.

He then reached for my hand and placed PATIENCE right into its palm!!! There it was. Staring at me. Right in my face!

"LORD?" I said.

"YES." He replied.

"Well, no disrespect meant, but it seems kinda' small. In fact, I can hardly see it." I said, humbly, of course.

"Yes, my love. You must believe Me when I tell you that a little bit of my patience goes a very long way!" He chuckled (for some reason). "It is all that you need. It is much like having a mustard seed of FAITH."

"Of course, Lord. Thank you ever so much."

Then God picked up all of my treasures that He had bequeathed to me, tied them together with a big purple bow, and placed them into my heart. (You may remember that I had previously lost my heart to God during another round of game playing! He has been lovingly growing it ever since.)

Well, I was spent. God gently picked me up and placed me in His lap. He said "I love you and you have done well!"

"And you, my child, are one of MY treasures." He then rocked me back to sleep.


ps There is no moral to this story...but I do have a suggestion. Should God come to you with a cup of cocoa at 2am in the morn, make sure that you jump out of your bed with joy and happiness. After all, who knows what GODLY treasures you may find? And don't forget the marshmallows!

amen

************************

Link to Part One of this story: http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/12/part-one-treasure-hunt.html

Link to Part Two of this story: http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/12/part-two-treasure-hunt.html

Copyright 2008 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved, from the published book Nonnie And The Butterfly

You Came, Too, by Nikki Giovanni

I came to the crowd seeking friends

I came to the crowd seeking love

I came to the crowd for understanding

I found you

I came to the crowd to weep

I came to the crowd to laugh

You dried my tears

You shared my happiness

I went from the crowd seeking you

I went from the crowd seeking me

I went from the crowd forever

You came, too

**this is a most beautiful poem. I have always loved the feel and texture of the love of freedom that runs wildly through it.

Source: http://www.afropoets.net/nikkigiovanni19.html

Poetry: Shifted

he shifted me to a new space

place of love and quiet yearning

for him

in this area i can only see

the abundance and firm

grip of his i am upon my soul

truly, it is the only feel that

i desire my spirit to recognize

the overflow, downpour

the smell of the powerful

reign of his soft presence

i have decided to stay

upon this magic

carpet ride

called the day’s dawn.

loved and loving

with open arms

*i really love this poem and what it says to me. i wrote it some time ago. but, sho nuff it is singing in my ear..in this moment! i m currently enjoying (really enjoying) reconnecting with my family. restoration. dancing into a new space. i feel loved and wanted. needed even. it is so funny how we as individuals bloom into the whole once we soak in the life of being loved. knowing love. it feels safe.  and i also feel like i have room to flap my creative wings. gratitude. that is what is roaming within me. gratitude.

plain and simple.

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans, All Rights Reserved (from the book, Nothing Cool About Ten, available now on http://www.smashwords.com/)

clicking my heels

writing on wings....

designing while in flight....

music for the eyes of my heart.....

photography that lives on the breath of forever....

painting with an unusual brush stroke....

dancing up a storm.....
lyric writing with a pen of a butterfly.....
poetry....ahhhh....poetry.....
playwriting for social justice......

 this is my lover.....

on and on....

everlasting....


creating what is inside of me.....

realizing.....

my poetic.....

is vastly forever...

and dangerously compassionate...

And For No Reason, by Hafez

And

For no reason

I start skipping like a child.

And

For no reason

I turn into a leaf

That is carried so high

I kiss the Sun's mouth

And dissolve.

And

For no reason

A thousand birds

Choose my head for a conference table,

Start passing their

Cups of wine

And their wild songbooks all around.

And

For every reason in existence

I begin to eternally,

To eternally laugh and love!

When I turn into a leaf

And start dancing,

I run to kiss our beautiful friend

And I dissolve in the truth

That I Am.

****************

Hafez. Such a wonderful poet. Read more about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hafez

just some "reckonings"

reckoning 1

crystal vision

birthed out of

the backside of a storm

stellar sight

in play

reckoning too

bright tears streaked in wonder

because, alas, she didn't miss

instead, she saw, understood

beauty in motion, faith in bloom

reckoning III

compassion's journey

relentlessly found me

yes, i

reckoning for

four corners of the winds

blowing the breeze of

sweetness in my face.

covering my crown.

grace of gifting flowing

reckoning five

tune in the micro speck

of relevant existence

hoo

ray

**from time to time i will post reckonings. these reckonings are lil glimpses of my poetry. all the above have been taken from bigger pieces of my poetry and tweaked a bit. basically, whatever catches the eyes of my heart in the moment. there are 5 reckonings for today. five is the number of grace. today i just feel like smiling.

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved

Daily Thoughts from Jean Vanier - 12/01/10

Trust

A child needs to find security in the trust of another who is there to protect, guide, affirm and love him. This trust forms the foundations of his personality and it allows him to develop self-assurance and confidence. It gives him stability, strength and a set of beliefs which allow him little by little to welcome and integrate reality, to discover who he is and what are his roots, language, religion, values and family traditions. Knowing who he is, he can then discover who he is called to become. - Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home,p.84