I Ask....
I asked the dawn: “Where is the dewdrop that wet my lips last night and was suddenly gone before the sunrise?”The dawn smiled: ‘It’s in the lightness of breezes and fragrance of flowers.”
I asked breezes and flowers: “What is the color of my love and that shall never fade?”
The breezes and flowers whispered: “It's the color of the Spring that is dancing on the hills.”
I asked the hills: “How many more peaks and valleys on my path before I reach the blue sky?”
The hills echoed: “As many as you can endure until your inner and outer strengths lift you high.”
I asked the sky: “Why did the most innocent eyes, that are as pure as you, have to see the agony of death?”
The sky wept: “The eyes of the innocent see beyond death – they see the ocean.”
I asked the ocean: “Where is the vastness of your mercy now that I only taste the bitterness in you?”
The ocean sighed: “Without bitterness, how would you know the sweetness of joy?”
Finally, I asked God: “What is the happiness of life when it is full of tribulation?”God answered: “The meaning of life is rejoicing in the face of adversity.”
-- Dedicated to my friend Jennifer and others who face the great difficulties in life with amazing strength and grace.
lifestyle, life, love, difficulties, spirituality
31 Comments:
At April 09, 2006,
Maya Cassis said…
helen...this is a truly amazing post and I loved loved every bit of it.
You get to read such beautiful pieces when you buy a book but look at me...I get this for free from your blog.Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post.
At April 10, 2006,
Helen Wang said…
Maya,
Thank you so much for your very sweet comment! It's inspired by a real life tragedy. I hope it provides inspiration and encouragement for people who face difficulties in life.
I enjoy reading your blog too.
At April 10, 2006,
Irene K said…
Wow, what an awesome poem, Helen! I love how you start this. And oh yes, what a beautiful rose. Enchanting!!!! I can't stop looking at it! Thanks.
At April 10, 2006,
Carolyn Madden said…
Sensational!
At April 10, 2006,
Laurie LeBlanc said…
Wonderful and uplifting, Helen. Thanks for sharing it!
At April 10, 2006,
Wilhelmine Estabrook said…
Wonderful poem and photo.
At April 10, 2006,
Mandi G. said…
what everyone said and more.
At April 11, 2006,
Carol Voigts said…
Helen, you did a wonderful thing for your friend in writing this. You've put absolutely beautiful words to her struggles and her triumph.
At April 11, 2006,
Helen Wang said…
Thanks, everyone! It's inspired by a real life tragedy. I wrote it with tears. I am glad it didn't come out bitter
At April 11, 2006,
Jan Hersh said…
I would love to hear this as a song or even with background music as it is so very lyrical!
At April 11, 2006,
Bonnie L said…
Wow Helen!!!
I have always admired you for your business savvy, worldly knowledge, and physical beauty...And while I know you also have tremendous courage, what this poem does so wonderfully, is that it demonstrates you are also an amazing writer with a warm and giving heart. For you have so eloquently defined that courage, and have packaged it up in a beautiful inspiring gift for your friends....I am in awe!
At April 11, 2006,
Kathryn Esplin-Oleski said…
You are a very good friend, indeed, Helen. This was inspiring !!!
At April 11, 2006,
Heather T said…
This is excellent, Helen! I love how the verses each meander from image to concept. I'm only sorry that it was such a sad thing for you.
At April 11, 2006,
Laura M said…
What a lovely poem to share! Thank you!
At April 11, 2006,
deborah l said…
beautiful soul.
At April 11, 2006,
Stephen Schneider said…
Very strong writing
At April 11, 2006,
Robert Ferguson said…
Helen this is truly beautiful and vibrant.
At April 11, 2006,
Helen Wang said…
Jen, Thanks for connecting. Perhaps you can add music to it?
Bonnie, Thank you so much for your very kind comment. When you see the trial time in life, sudden loss of the loved one, beautiful young children witnessing death, you would wonder why all these are happening?! It made me to reflect the meaning of life....
Thanks, everyone else, for your comments.
At April 11, 2006,
Cheryl Williams said…
This was beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
At April 11, 2006,
maureen sullivan stemberg said…
Helen, what a lovely tribute to your dear friend. Well done & very moving.
At April 12, 2006,
Eileen said…
Hi Helen
This is a beautiful poem. Jennifer forwarded it me as I am Larry's sister. Your words are a comfort during this devastating time. Thank you for your support of Jennifer and the girls. You are a wonderful person.
Regards
Eileen
At April 12, 2006,
Helen Wang said…
Eileen,
I am so glad you found this peom comforting during this trial time. You and your family and your loved ones are all in my thoughts and prayers....
At April 13, 2006,
Cindy T said…
Thanks for the inspiration, Helen.
At April 16, 2006,
hutchy said…
My daughters untimely death was and still is devastating but I am going on and am inspired to write. This post touches my heart and soul in a deep and profound way and I thank you for pointing it out to me. You have a true gift. Thank you, HUGS
At April 17, 2006,
Lorraine said…
Inspiring Helen, you are a true Poet :)
At April 17, 2006,
Diana R said…
Oh Helen, it's wonderful and very meaningful. Please see my comment regarding the photo which accompanies this lovely poem.
At April 17, 2006,
Diana R said…
Helen, this is truly exquisite! I don't know how I missed it, and you published it on my dearly departed sister's birthday. This is beautiful!
At April 25, 2006,
Betty K. said…
The question-and-answer form draws me into this poem and keeps me wanting to know: what's next? Lovely writing.
At April 25, 2006,
Candida Bohnne-Eittreim said…
Taught lovely prose, that through a humble eye seeks answers to the hurt in life. Very well done Helen.
At April 25, 2006,
Stuart G said…
Very moving.
Memorable.
At June 14, 2006,
Anonymous said…
Thanks for sharing your thoughtful and stimulating poem that spoke volumes to the heart.
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