People sometimes ask me why I write poetry.
There are times when an idea surfaces in my mind that triggers a poem or story.
Something can enter your thoughts and when you start to write it is like it is writing itself and I am just the instrument being used to put it on paper.
In almost all cases what I have written was never meant to be made public.
They are not great poems or literary works but rather common ordinary things. I also have thought that since we are all human beings much of what I write is natural occurrences that I just happen to write about with no true uniqueness.
Several of my poems are written from a Faith perspective. Like a prayer of sorts or a commitment to faith that needs clarifications or understanding on my part, or often a means by which I internalize.
I find it rewarding because I offer back to God those gifts He has freely given me. It is a blessing to use them for His honor and glory.
One poem I wrote back some time ago reflects this idea.
In the Image of the Carpenter
A Son…’tis but one
A tradesman is He
Who learned His trade
At His father’s knee
Skilled is He with the
Tools of His trade
Each with its purpose
A perfection of grade
To each person a challenge
Be ready to serve
To fulfill what is lacking
A tool held… in reserve
A tool for the making
With just the right twist
A soul for reshaping
That may even resist
In His toolbox I sit… ready
In faith, I will be
A tool for His use
Where ever…He needs me
©PATRICK M. SHAY