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Dec 2017 · 265
What child is this?
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
Did you ever notice
what we do
when we hold
a small child ?

We all do it

Our Eyes

we look straight into
the child’s face and
silently speak
the wonder, awe, love,
that can’t be
put into words.

Our Lips

we use our lips a lot
when holding a baby
we purse them,
makes sounds
that aren’t words,
and we kiss
the child
from a distance.

Our Arms

if ever arms
expressed
holding something
precious
they do it
when we cradle
a tiny baby.
Few could describe
such grace,

But everyone
can picture it.

Our Whole Body

Did you ever
notice
we never
stand still
when holding
a tiny baby?

we slowly sway
from side to side
turn in half circles
lean
forward and back

Did you ever
stop
to think
that you were once
held that way?

Anyone
Who ever held you
as a tiny baby
held you that way

Did you ever
stop
to think
that God holds
you that way?
NOT
just when you
were a tiny child
but now
even if things
aren’t going well
ESPECIALLY  
if things aren’t going well

what child is this?

it’s ME
In God’s arms

Merry Christmas
Advent teaching at my church
Dec 2017 · 225
Why is it called Christmas
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
In  medieval England
The name of the feast
Being celebrated was joined
To the word “Mass”
and this became
The name of the day
For example
The feast of
St Michael is called
“Michaelmass”
The feast of the presentation
Because candles were blessed
On that day is called “candlemass”
Thus it is that in English
The feast of
The birth of Christ Is called
“Christmas “
in some other languages
Latin
“Dies Natalia Domini”
The birth of our Lord
German
”Weinacht”
Holy Night
Spanish
“La Navidad”
The Birthday
Polish
“Bose Narodzenie”
God’s Birth
I wonder how many people
Really know what Christmas is
And what it REALLY represents
This history was from Bible study and advent
Dec 2017 · 195
The House Church
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
An interesting phenomenon
Takes place in houses at Christmas
There is no other time of the year
When it is so natural
To have a Religious presence
In our house
The Christmas tree itself
Is a religious symbol
It’s origins are rooted in
The tree of life
In the Garden of Eden
Often we place a star
Or an angel at the top
At Christmas
we have a manger scene
With the child Jesus
Mary and Joseph
the shepherds, the magi
And angels
Candles
Closely associated with
Religious ritual
are very popular  Christmas decorations
In our homes
We listen to religious music in our homes
Christmas carols with religious themes
A prayer is usually said before the Christmas meal,
Even in homes where this is seldom done
During the year
This might set us thinking about the value
Of year round religious symbols
In the home
Perhaps we need to focus on
The renovation of our house church
We have a tradition of religious symbols
In our house
The cross, a family Bible,Ext...
But it’s faded a bit,
The Christmas season is a good time
To take a second look at having year round
Religious symbols in
Our House Church
Just a thought how many religious ornaments are on your tree?
Dec 2017 · 225
Merry Christmas
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
The English word “Merry”
Did not originally convey
“Jolly,mirthful”
It was more along the lines of
“Blessed,peaceful”
A deep down inner joy
Rather then revelry
One gets a sense of its original meaning
In the well known carol
“God rest ye merry, gentlemen “
As can be seen from the comma
The word is not used to describe
“Jolly”gentleman
But rather was a
Blessing from God
Invoked upon them
God rest ye peaceful gentlemen
Thus
Merry Christmas
Is a Blessing
Words in the eighteen hundreds had different meanings then do now
A word meaning can make all the difference in a new understanding
Dec 2017 · 192
Music my muse
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
I love the 1970s

A great time in my life
I can play a record(vynal)
And remember where I was
What was happening
When the song first hit the scene

The vivid pictures
The strong emotions
I have music
For every mood

Our poetry is
The same
It flows
Washes over us

Takes us back to a moment
Vivid pictures
Strong emotions
I have a story
For every mood

Yearning to reminisce
Freaking out for something
To write on
Write with
To capture
the thought

Fleeting flying flew
Old age
Dec 2017 · 206
Music makes pictures
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
Music makes pictures and often tell stores
All of its magic and all of its true
All the pictures and all of the stories
All of the magic the music is you

These profound words are from
John Denver
rest in peace my friend
Dec 2017 · 158
St Nicholas fact or fiction
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
Since he fifth century, the feast of St Nicholas was celebrated December 25th
little is known of his life except that in the fourth century he was
Bishop of Myra( in modern day Turkey )
Legend has it that his wishing to aid people in need and do so anonymously, he would throw small bags of gold in their windows
The bags would land in the stocking hung by the fireplace to dry

    Other stories from Germany of a
Man and his wife who had a toy shop
The poor children would look in the window of the storefront
at all the beautiful hand made toys their parents could not afford
so on Christmas Eve the couple would
Put a toy on the porch of every child’s house

    Legends of generosity encouraged others
to give gifts at this time of year

But in the 16th century some reformers felt Nicholas was too closely identified with the Catholic Church and replaced him with other figures in  Germany and England’s Father Christmas

  The name of St Nicholas survived however,
through adapted to various languages Sinterlaus in Dutch,
became Santa Claus in English
It was Clement Moore in the famous poem
“The Night Before Christmas”
who equipped Santa Claus with
a sleigh, reindeers,a pipe,a bag
and an entry through the chimney

The true reason for the season is the Birth of Jesus
It’s a Birthday party
We need to give Jesus gifts
as well as others
My Gifts to name a few
The Gift of love, faith, belief
Well you get the idea
What do you have for Jesus this year!
The stories were taken from books and life
Dec 2017 · 144
The shelf life of a book
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
I love the smell of a new book
leather bound, gold leaf, off the shelf, I took
To see the print in my minds eye
Happy laughter, scary or a good cry

To settle down for a good read
Turning the pages at record speed
A books can teach you anything
Knowledge you gain only a book can bring

If the story is true
The feelings grow within you
as writers we are hard to impress
We notice plots twist we can quickly guess

The scariest day I remember well, in my head
Year 2000 a paperless system, BOOKS are dead
I never believed it, not for a second you see
Because books are a part of story telling for you and me

Although  ebooks are gaining popularity today
Paper books will never truly go away
I have been a book worm as long as I can remember
The excitement of college reading in September

So the next time your children or grandchildren say
“I’m board” ask them if they want an adventurous  day
Take them to the library and let them pick a stack
They will be hooked for life no turning back
I read a Poem on books and it gave me an idea books are wonderful
Dec 2017 · 204
Sign of our times
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
On the radio today
I heard something I could not believe
To my dismay

Church goers want the to bring guns to church
Congregation in decay
I understand the fears
predicated from a billion tears

However I laughed at the obserity of it all
the mass shooting of people left in the lurch
But Guns in church
That is not how we should answer the call

it’s open season  on christians who believe
Yet church is a place of hope, love, faith, not to deceive
What an oxymoron to be told
Christians !
its going to get worse a test, we’re out in the cold
Instead of reaching for a gun
Drop to your knees pray to God’s Son

Be observant watch those diligently 
who are near
Give it to God
there is nothing to fear

Satin is winning
He laughs in delight grinning
We don’t even believe he is real
To those Luke warm  Christians it’s no big deal

This is a sign of our times
When right from wrong people don’t even know
Not believing is a crime
We need to learn pray and grow
Our society today is so lost
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
A candy maker in Indiana around the 1900s
wanted to make a candy
That expressed the meaning of Christmas
So he came up with the candy cane

He used hard candy because
Jesus is the “rock of the ages”
he shape it into a J which
is the first letter of Jesus’ name
And if turned upside down is
the staff of the good shepherd

His candy cane is white to represent
the perfection and sinlessness of Jesus

And he added a thick red stripe as a symbol
Of the blood Christ shed for us
He also had thinner red stripes for
The stripes Christ received when he was scourged

So the next time you give or receive a candy cane
Perhaps you will look at it differently
Merry Christmas
This story was in my advent book from church
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
We are blessed to live in a place
Which offers freedom to choose our religion
Yet now we have to exercise tolerance to others at our exspence
This new thinking  is infringing upon my right to religion

There is a Catholic mission that has been standing near 100 years
A group takes offense with the cross and steeple ontop the Church
They want it removed a court battle maybe on the horizon  
Why is their belief more important then mine?

There are groups who challenge institutions to insue change
What happened to live and let live ,who are these people ?
What will be next ?the cross around my neck
Carrying a bible in public or worshipping all together

In public schools our children can no longer pray
A Christmas tree is now called a holiday tree
As if the words change the reason for the season
Christmas break is now winter break

They changed the pledge of allegiance
No longer does our nation’s children say in God we trust
The big bang theory takes the place in our history books

Look around at the beauty in our world
How can it all be an accident
56% of the world population do not believe in God
We are on the brink of a precipice

When we start giving up our liberties we stand on a slippery *****
If people don’t believe in God ,the Bible
by what gage are morals values set and followed
Is the moral compass based ones self?

Isn’t that rather like playing God?
The belief God Got it wrong because they are in the wrong body?
Don’t get wrong it’s not for me to judge
but I do have to exsplain these topics to my grandchildren

We are living in ***** and Gomorrah
Mass killing are the norm, while satin laughs in delight
I believe we are living in the end days why most are oblivious
Read Revalation , The last book in the Bible, wake up
A seed is planted
Dec 2017 · 296
What are we fighting for
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
Anger consumes the heart
Blinds the eyes
Two in pain soon part
Frustration sobbing cry’s

Living in the past
Unable to enjoy today
Judgements never last
There has to be a better way

Marriage is easily destroid
When both are quickly annoyed
With so much to lose at loves core
What are we fighting for

In the end you could not take back what you said
When your heart is broken and love is dead
You cannot unring the bell
Your arguments now quiet, replaced with a new lonely living hell

Be careful what you wish for,
Is it what you wanted
That final slam of the door
Left a lonely soul lost love haunted
People are so quick to end relationships but when is enough enough time to stay time to go
Dec 2017 · 335
New Years Resolutions
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
December
The last month in the year
The holidays
Thanksgiving
Christmas is near
The last event will be
New Year’s
holiday cheer  
I take stock
in the past year
A time of reflection
What I have accomplishedn
what I have failed to do
I write it all down
Looking back
past resolutions
I begin a new list
New Year’s resolutions
2018
So many years
The same list
Until I eventually achieve them
And many I do achieve
  My list is achievable
Two categories really
Personal goals and long-term goals  
I encourage all to set goals  
To set dreams
Without looking to the future with optimism
Life could be just going through the motions
What are your dreams for the new year
Dec 2017 · 139
My Christmas wish
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
What is it about the holidays that makes people nice
Even those who don’t believe
It surprises me sometimes, i’ll look at a person twice
For most it’s an act of practice to deceive

Capitalizing on the Christmas season
Those are the people who are lost
they’re making mounds of money, that’s thier reason
Serving deception at all cost

However the rest of the year
they will shove you down
won’t think twice,  even give a cheer
Another feather, coin is thier crown

So why be so kind
I know I sound jaded
Cold people are easy to find
While humanity, compassion have faded

In the end it doesn’t matter, I prefer to think most care
Thier motives very For the rest
millions of people give and share
This is a Christian’s test

I wish my fellow man compassion that would last forever
I wish Everyone follows God’s law, I know they can
I wish there would be no hatred, violence, not never
I wish peace on Earth and goodwill towards man
I see extreme kindness and so much deception with the way the Christmas message is presented  in stores  people have to wake up and realize the reason for the season Christmas trees cannot even be called Christmas trees anymore now it’s a holiday tree well hello what is the holiday for
Dec 2017 · 99
Time
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
Time has a way of slipping by
I have heard people say
in the blink of an eye
People are drained at the end of each day

So what is it that has us so busy?
chasing money ,homelife in a tizzy
100% all day The riggers of stress,strain ,strife
But we’re too busy for living life ?

Work Day ended nothing more to give
that’s no way to live
Your wife ,children,dog, missed you all day
They have so much to say, they want to interact, play

So how do you balance your life
You know the saying happy life happy wife
Children refuse to be ignored
They want to your attention, to be adored

my advice to you
to help you get though ,
  take a minute or two
Do whatever you need to do
relax unwind be kind
Today is the present
it’s a gift
tomorrow is promised to nobody
Dec 2017 · 109
Thanks Giving
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
‘‘Twas the morning of thanksgiving
And all through the house
We’re the clanking of pots and pans
Heard even by the spouse

The dogs lay nestled  in their beds with care
Hoping the feast soon be there
the scent of,yams ,cranberries and casseroles filled the air
preperation covered the countertops everywhere

all of  sudden I heard a crash
I jumped from my Chair,
ran quick as a flash
potatoes boiled over, ready to mash

All the food hot and read
Any request my hands were steady
They all line up with cheer
Time to Eat was finally here

The serving spoons neatly in a row
Four hours of prep time
for a five minute eating crime
Sale ads in hand, it’s time to go

Standing in lines for the best Black Friday deals
Planning my attack of what l need to buy
In the blink of an eye,  I had all the enticing frills
If  I hurry another shopping line I can try

Exhausted from a long hard day cooking and shopping  
my legs burning, I feel like dropping
As I fell asleep my thought out of sight
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
I wrote this on scraps of paper Thanksgiving day while I was cooking and while in line but I hadn’t got a chance to post it until now
Oct 2017 · 446
Carpe Diem
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
Seize the day
I thank the Lord
For making it that way

I wake ready to start my day
A clean slate listening to Gods will
Clear minded with much to say

I walk the dogs each day
They are ready to explore
Sitting by the door in their special way

I praise God for giving me today
30 shades of green a tranquil walk
Visiting the neighbors, dog do talk

The return home is the same each day
The dogs walk slower wanting to run and play
Fresh air, wind in my ,hair without a care

Creative juices flowing, I walk and pray
Rejuvenated and ready
To start my day

CARPE DIEM
This came to me while walking the dog. I live at the base of a mountain quiet tranquil spiritual I am blessed to start my days with such splendor
Oct 2017 · 170
Revalation tribulation
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
Do we think we know more then God
Many no longer believe there is a God

So Why are we afraid
And we are all afraid of something

We have no reason to be frighten
the comfort is in the Lord

IF you truly believe
there's nothing to be frightened of

"How is it you have no faith" Jesus asks
(Holy Bible)

Humanity is falling apart
Many have hardened their heart
They no longer believe

How can we justify the ****** of more then  
58 million unborn babies since 1973
That is more deaths
Then all the wars put together

We must stop now

We ask for mercy killing of the elderly
Dr. Kavorian the killer of the old

We must stop now

When German parents have been imprisoned and fined for withholding their children from *** education class that teaches 9 year olds how to have *** (including homosexual ***)

We must stop now

When medical staff in Sweden and Portland have been fired for refusing to perform abortions because of their faith

We must stop now

Around the world pastors and clergy
are feeling the heat by refusing  to perform same-*** marriages

We must stop now

Look around the world human trafficking ,: terrorists senseless killings
the war is in our shopping malls, at concerts

We must stop now

Lack of belief leads our society down a round where morals are no longer present

The line between right and wrong
is no longer blurred it's completely gone

We must stop now

Wide is the path of many
that leads to distraction
narrow is the path of few
that lead to righteousness

We must stop now

The Christians who walking the path of righteousness are ridiculed as prejudice, close minded,  attacked for their beliefs
Christians are to be tolorent to the sinners

What is happening in the world when right is wrong and wrong is right

We must stop now
These facts come from a the book of Revelation decoded and the holy Bible
Oct 2017 · 225
Crafty Creations
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
If I can imagine it I can make it

Just as poetry flows freely

So does my need to create something

To take random objects
a doll dress made  Made out of
paper mache lace  lots of embellishments
Always the small imbellishments the small
Details that take it over the top

Crocheting a blanket from several different patterns creating an one of a kind original

A  fairy made of wire, a wooden ball embroidery thread and a silk flower

Victorian Dresden Christmas
ornaments from 1890 those are my favorite
In the olden days things were made by hand
They didn't have store bought ornaments they were keepsakes, memories of years gone By

I can see a picture then bring it to life
Or make it from an idea in my head

I have made something for all to see
it was within me and will always be

It's such a rush to have that Finnish project
Knowing I made that

It's strange to know so much creativity lives
Within me yet others can't do the same

They see a thing as it is  I see all the  possibilities
Of what it can become
Perhaps I'm making my own keepsake
I'm working on three different projects right now forget all the things I need to get done at the end of the day I get a chance to create something new after all isn't that what poets do?
Oct 2017 · 466
Tabula rasa
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
A theory at birth the human mind is a blank slate
We teach our child to; love, live, hurt, and hate

  Prejudice judgments, we make them
often every day
Yet, we are embarrassed when our children repeat what we say

We blame others when our children regurgitate
Children are sponges they listen,learn, reverberate    

To say your child didn't here or understand You
Its' irresponsible to have that point of view

Music, TV , friends, inappropriate behavior is all around
Truth be told Christian values are hard to be found

Your child was a gift entrusted to your care
We live in a time when evil is everywhere

We are molding young minds into who they will be
We need to be diligent good against evil only time can forese
Years ago I was taking like two-year-old daughter to daycare and she was singing along Song on the radio  
"I love a good beer buzz early in the morning All I want to do is have some fun  I get a feeling I'm not the only one "
She was attending a Christian daycare that was  a wake up call
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
We pour out our hearts in our work
We ask for corective critic
Not a boastful ****

We give so much information
about who we are
Sometimes the subjects are
too sensitive by far

The writer may have
a hard time being objective
yet we want the reader to be subjected

Can you see through
the poet Eyes
the reason for the vivid
imagery wise

I benefit from knowing
your age
it assists
my thought proces,
as a gauge

Every ten years
a person changes 100%

Birth to ten, it is easy to see
Ten to twenty,
the mindset invincibility

I am six years
into my fifth life
lived, loved,
am a mother and wife,
happiness, anger, and Strife

The more we know
about the poet
Helps us understands
the poem as we know it

As we get older
we realize
how little we know
understanding
there's so much more
room to grow

So please fill out your bio age
and all the information you want to share
so we can review your poem with competent care
I would not give the same at information to 16-year-olds as I would a 30-year-old it does matter as a point of reference where you are in life
I'm not trying to be intrusive So if you get out so if you're not comfortable on an exact age perhaps a range say in the 20s , or your teens
that still gives a point of reference
Oct 2017 · 233
Deal with it
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
You can hide from
the rest of the world
BUT
You can't hide from yourself

Deal with it

I have become
A master at hiding
Smiling just enough

Yet, looking closely
The eyes never lie
The pain; hurt, sadness
All there to see

When the world is
Upside down
I  graciously help others

My undevided attention
Intently listening to
Their problems

So, I don't have to
Share my feelings

Have  you ever noticed
When somebody asks you
"How are you "
they really don't want
To know the TRUTH

Hiding in plain sight

We have become
a society of disconnect
Interactive  on-Line
without physical contact
2004/2017 rewrite
I am a  lonely person I've become very  good at putting up the walls
Oct 2017 · 231
Which way do we go
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
Journey
of self

we always
move in the
same
direction

as our most
dominant
thought

Think about it

There are times
when I'm a
scatterbrain  

Other times
my thoughts
are crystal-clear  
profound thoughts
come to me
at the oddest times  
Perhaps
this is what happens
when I  
multi-task
2004/2017 rewrite
Oct 2017 · 235
Emotions
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
What does it  say about us?
What do we show people ?

What do people speculate; see, decree
is that the real inner  me?

Screaming words over joyed
People interpt
My reputation destroyed

Out of control
Anger all to see
Gone crazy would people agree

Unconsulable
The death of a family member
Will People understand be tender

Sometimes our emotions
get the best of us
Yet, do we understand why
emotions happen so deeply
Perhaps that's why we are so uniquely

Have we become
a victim of ourself

Anger and fear
Laughter love so dear
Live is trying to teach us
Do we listen ,Do we here

What do we show Society
Should it matter or
just get over our anxiety

In the end does it matter
what people think  

Let yourself off the hook
pour yourself a drink


I am on a quest
towards
inner journey
to self
2004 write/2017
Oct 2017 · 249
Nirvana
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
Live
What makes us
who we are ?

And let live

Accept people
for who they are

Find Peace

Do not try
to make people
into whom you think
they should be

Love
with every fabric
of your being

Quick to forgive
Slow to judge

Laugh
Until your belly hurts

Rejoice
Live life to the fullest

journey to self
enlightenment
20004 /2017 rewrite
my poetry grows as I do
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
I am a lady
Filled with
****** Sensation
Fluid
Flows freely
Sensuality grows
Sexuality shows
As rapid as a hummingbird's wings
As silent asthe flowers of spring
I Blossom like a fragrant garden
Waiting
For the right man
To plant
Desire
The seed
Of anticipation
Mounts
4-11-2005  The start of spring brings many emotions
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
How ridiculous
I have been
Playing on observance
yet; blind to reality
relentlessly searching
for what I seek
not knowing
why
When contentment was
within my grasp

Impetuous , Impatient, Demanding
Aching For Fresh Meat
Stocking, salivating  
Only to want, then

Imagine ,Dream ,Fantazize  
The Sensation  
To Devour  
Flesh

Man
A Supreme Being is Nothing
In the wake of a Woman
Hungry, for more
She
Allows His Touch
Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly
*** in the 80s
Who is hunting who
Sep 2017 · 220
Life's Lessons
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Older and older
The clock ticks
Fewer and fewer
The men pick
The games
I use to play
Are now fantacies
I dream of today
Older and wiser
Perhaps
Now I take
Sunday Naps
I wrote this 15 years ago
Sep 2017 · 555
Take a Knee
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
NFL players
Take a knee
during the national anthem
Turn off your TV
disrespect is
not acceptable
Our country is going to hell in a handbasket
these guys are getting paid millions of dollars
Shameful
Sep 2017 · 398
Peter Michael Bowen
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Peter
Loved his wife of 14 years
He put her through school then
She left him broken hearted in tears

His life would never be the same
He started his downhill spiral of shame
Besieged with self doubt and blame
He turned to drugs to hide his pain

Christmas 2002
Peter came to my home spending his last dime
I did not know I would be seeing him for the last time
we laughed and drank a few beers how does that song go?
"still crazy after all these years"

I was in tears my marriage was dead
I told Peter of my escalating fights,
Every detail of the devastating words said
My marriage was on its last thread

Peter made me promise
Not to leave my husband having hope for my better life  
He told me living was not worth it without his wife
I promise to give my marriage one more try
As we hug and said goodbye
A pain in  my heart, a tear in my eye

Peters flew home December 29, 2002
for our (oldest brother's)  Birthday
My three  brothers we're going to play
Peter had four motorcycles and was giving one away
If they each had a bike they would have more fun
To take long bike rides in the sun

The video camera rolling my brothers wife asks;
Aren't you afraid that you're going to die?
NO said Peter and here's why
" if I die riding my bike don't be Sad , be glad ,
I wouldn't died doing something I loved"
(An hour later God had taken him to heaven above )
Part two to follow of how he passed exactly  
we have my brother on video telling us not to be sad if He died
one hour before he died  did he know subconsciously in his soul ?
Sep 2017 · 251
Both sides
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
There is
The right side
There is
The wrong side

There is
Your side
There is
My side

Some where
  Residing between
The two
is
The TRUTH
Do you ever get caught in the middle between two friends and they both want you to take their side
Sep 2017 · 651
They Say(whoever they are)
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
They say (whoever they are )
We are the sum of
All events in our past

Exsperiences
Are what facilitate us
With who we are today

They say
We spend our whole adult life
getting over our childhood

I say
do not let your past dictate
who you are
rather
let it assist you
with
who you want
to become
Food for thought  this was written ( in my 20s ) a long time ago when I thought I knew everything
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
If you are married or in love Valentine's Day
Comes from Heaven angels up above
Deliveries to work; are gifts of candy and flowers
evening plans, a romantic candlelight dinner for hours
followed by hugs and endless kisses
many sweet untold wishes

However; if you are alone or single
this day is an empty heart that sadly tingles
Valentine's Day is filled with regret and used-to-be's
one by one your coworker receive their deliveries
thier glances of pity and sympathy deepen your pain
hoping for the Day to end before you go insane

A commercialized day every place, in your face
now lonely bitterness are your grace
hurtful memories of an old world versus new
dinner for one instead of two
No I do not like Valentine's Day
I wish it would please just go away

There was a time when I too received deliveries
before the day of now and my miseries
the man I love did not come home
I spent Valentine's Day staring out the window alone
I cried myself to sleep
I thought life could not be more skin deep

He came home after a night at the bar
he had brought me flowers yet left them in the car
The next day as I awoke
not a word between us we spoke
he put the wilted flowers in a vase
you had to have seen the look on my face

The once beautiful long stem red roses had wilted
like our love empty and jilted
I silently took a pair of scissors without dread
Snipped the Roses one by one at the base of the bulb head
My husband said nothing only shook his head in shame
silently I set the scissors down without placing blame

I have never received flowers to this day
  we never speak  of it, what is the point anyway
Valentine's Day is a day to rub in your face  
now lonely bitterness are my grace
No I do not like Valentine's Day
I wish it would  please just go away
I wrote this 1986 one year after we married the first year was rocky
Sep 2017 · 210
Sweet Dreams
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
I have a dream of my very own
it's been my imaginary friend
My comfort when I am alone

I no longer condone
listening to lies on the phone
no more arguing, I keep an even tone

My dream is big enough to share
with that special someone out there
I thank God for making it just for me

I have kissed the past good bye
This resolve only I can make
No more wedding cake

It's all part of making me new again
No more fake smiles or pretend
I am learning to be,My own best friend
Marriage has ups and downs. I wrote this poem 12 years ago.  Still together now32 years married 36 together
Sep 2017 · 119
Sunday's child
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Sundays child
full of grace
always a smile
on his face
Longing for a lady
Who wears black lace
Town between
Good and evil
Wanting to be
Within Gods place
Sundays child
Full of grace
Dedicated to a friend of mine who had been married and divorced four times and his children with all of them at least the fifth one he was engaged to. he asked me what was wrong with him I Have known him for 19 years
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
I used to pray
" let mother be alive"
father told us
She was dead

sisters whispers
that's not true
He took us away
So now I knew

Years of searching
to find her and care
many empty faces
it's awful out there

The streets of LA
a bitter cold place
survival changes
God's good Grace

My prayer
has been answered
she was alive
dying each passing day

God gave her to me
then he took her away

No more
do I
pray
My Mother was a bag lady on the streets of Los Angeles.  I could not find her until I was 18 years old grandmother was sick and hired an investigator
But lived out of state I searched for weeks in down town  Lost Angeles soup kitchens ally's looking for my mother when I found her she had throat cancer and didn't even live for three months  I wrote a lot during that time
Sep 2017 · 168
Death the Devil's game
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Walking down the pale blue corridor
Framed doors line the sides, knowing what lies behind
Each door has two buttons, one light, enter or exit

Old victorian furniture, flickering candle light
seems to light the walls, the last door on the left
open waiting my arrival

A lump forms in my throat, my eyes water uncontrollably,
trembling as I gasp for a normal breath
Family look and talk to me ,here nor do I see them

At first, I only dare to see the flowers on the gray casket
my heart races
The bangs on top of her forhead every hair in place
Catholic cross, collar lace, her body out of context
to her personality and soul for those living in the world of their make-believe

They made her into what they needed her to be
to absolve them from any wrongdoing,
her family never understood her
They paid their final respects with hidden emotions of
guilt and shame

I reminisced  of a childhood adventure
implicated
concluded with a smile
Strange what I chose to remember
In the mist of my sorrow

Overwhelming  bewilderment
places left unseen ,words left unsaid  
Funerals are for the living not the dead
through moments like these
one finds inner strength
Tribute to MOM
This was the first person in my life who died I was young and angry  and it was very hard to deal with given the circumstances around her death
Sep 2017 · 213
Grandchildren
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Thank heaven
for grandchildren
when they look at me
with their trusting eyes
Asking a million questions
what, when, where, and whys  
My unconditional love
that nothing denies
I pray they will be
healthy, wealthy
and wise
My daughter and her husband have 5 children
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
My heart is confused  
my thoughts of wanting
cloud my head
My thoughts of needing
To jump into bed
My thoughts of hurting
the heart is dead
my thoughts of wondering
was it something I said
I need more
I do not want just companionship
I do not want the warmth of a body  
I do not want just friendship
I do not want to be smothered
I do not want to be your mother
perhaps I have to find another
searching
Blast from the past I'm not quite sure when this with white a while ago think I was in my early 20s
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
At first the wide eye newness of a stranger is exciting,
common attraction, flattering
the first kiss-  a moment that should not be missed
Intimacy filled with emotion
catch 22
Sometimes it's a let down a bad kiss a wrong move
the uncomfortable feeling a dread fills your head
Did I make a mistake? Even  with the best chemistry
there is nothing that can help that awkward moment

Now ***
It just happens in the heat of passion two bodies
intertwining after it is done leaving wet between the legs  a disillusioned one

Separated two
what then? lay quietly, how long do you hold him?
or move away, let go, who's to say ,who's to know
head screaming a million questions, what do you say?
fumbling for clothes, dress quickly, find the bathroom
ready to leave, wondering all the while , But never asking

Did I do it right? what just happened? is it worse if
you faked it ? then he thinks you loved it,great! now,
he wants to do it again.  please what did I miss all these years?
it's scary, I have some fears
Not like the 80s the ****** freedom, I am older now

I have  standards, a man asks me out on a date ,I settle for coffee and a walk in the park after 20 minutes no spark but hey it's a start. I will need one heck of a man to get me hot ready for action again and again and again until then I have ******
Blast from the past not sure when I wrote this but I know it had to be at least 20 to 25 years ago   Yes I took part in the ****** revolution and live through it
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
I am
a lady
Filled with
  ****** sensation
Fluid flowing freely
Sensuality grows
sexuality shows
As rapid as
a humming bird's
wings
As silent as
the flowers of spring
I blossom like
fragrant flowers
Opening and closing
For hours
Waiting for
the right man
To plant
Desire
The seed
Of anticipation
Mounts
I wrote this when I was 22
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Ode to dating
  It's said
Everyone  
gives off a distinct SCENT
We are animals,
Is that what they meant ?

When two people meet
they respond subconsciously  
In those few precious seconds  
We Judge instantly
with our heart, body, and soul

However,
it is the SCENT
that determines if we stay
or if we go
There are those who we meet
that we like or love instantly
and those who we just can't stand
is it written in the stars above ?

NO, it is the SCENT
Exspectations and a smile
Only buys you a little while
our body language
Will give us away
I tell you
it's your SCENT
that is at play

So, the next time you are asked
what was it about me
you did not like
reply with honesty
it's your smell !
Pheromones (  I taught  anatomy)  that should confused them
Caution; don't really do this you might get hurt
Sep 2017 · 322
Nana
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Nana wants very slow
perfect for little legs
to keep up
wherever they go

The whole world rushs by  
yet stops for them
in the wink of her eye
there is nothing more important
then the tears of her grandson's cries

Play time a must at Nana's house
building a castle out of Play dough
for Mickey Mouse
playing games, reading books
watching them grow
time is priceless she knows

Nana can see no wrong
in the innocence of childhood
Her unconditional love is a lullaby
a sleepy night song
morning, noon, and night
a smile graces her face
there's no place
like home
except
In Nana's Grace
I wrote this when my grandsons were  age 5 and age 2
the oldest is now 17
Sep 2017 · 302
Baptism
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
A godmother has much to do
Isaac nearly two
It was a bright sunny day  
he wanted to run and play

Isaac didnt understand
what the priest had to say
Wiggling in his mother's arms
to her dismay

loudly asking for Nana
Full of sweetness and charms
in the warmth of my arms
I held him tight
quieting him with patience and foresight

Whispering sweet nothings in his ear
for only him to laugh and here
Isaac looked up at the ceiling
we were praying while nelling

His young life bright without a flaw
Pointing determined intently  
to show me what he saw

PRIT-TEE (pretty) he flashes a smiles
"Nana see" he points
Above the fourth isle

I didn't know what he was trying to show me
he continued to do this you for a while  
Whispering I asked" tell me what you see"
Until I understood his plea
his face lit up instantly

He smiled with a joy that would last
"Angels " he whispered
Skipping a beat my heart gasp
in the heart of a child
so willful and wild  
yet he could still see
the glory of where he used to be
My grandson had never heard about angels at  18 months old
He was still so young. I have no doubt that he saw angels  while he was being baptized
Isaac  name means laughter.
Sep 2017 · 219
Love the double edge sword
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
IT                        TAKES
A         STRONG           MAN
TO                                        LOVE
A             ­                      WOMAN
YET                                          IN
HIS        ­               WEAKNESS
HE                                 IS
EVEN         STRONGER
IN               HER
LOVE
I have been playing with word art for a while now
Sep 2017 · 476
Capitalize the letter i
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
I am new to this site
I have to ask why
so many people here
Use a lower-case i
Is there a trend
The reason why
Grammatically correct
To verify
No longer apply
Free verse poetry define
Free of limitations of
regular meter or rhythm
Artistic expression
Yet if your purpose
Is to publish
The capital i(I) shows
You Matter
I use to teach at a post secondary college
It is not my intent to embarrass or make anyone feel bad
Corrective critique is a tool to help improve our work
Isn't that why we are here
Sep 2017 · 317
Family
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Brothers and Sisters are we
standing proud of our heritage tree
Deep rooted values are held so dear
Our family bond that kept us near

One by one we married or moved away
Yet still remain close to this very day
we have all grown in our love
Our Parents and Peter keep watch from up above

As we start to reach old age
will look back on life and love as our gauge
Smile knowing for better or worse
A Bowen giving up, now that would be a first

Sitting back in our rocking chair
Jessie and I will both be there
Life passes by in the blink od an eye
Proud to be a Bowen until the day we die
Bowen is my maiden name
Sep 2017 · 214
His Mistress
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
For better or worse
Ignorant trusting
It's the kind of thing
that happens to
other people
Not Us
Our bond                         was strong
a lasting love
He tried to hide
His Mistress
betrayed
how brazen
right under.             my nose
Why did he                          give her
His soul
Sneaking out
to get a taste of her
laughing in delight
she gave her all
The smell of her
lingered
on his lips
fooling no one
except himself
      Lying Eyes                                 Standard denial
finally
I found them
together
as he was just
finishing her
Caught in the act
I had to see
who stole my man
Face to face
Stunned                                     dis-belief
I could never                                   measure up
now I knew her name
***** Smirnoff
If you notice this is supposed to be two people on top of each other
An alcoholic hiding his alcohol Fools no one  especially one who does not drink
Sep 2017 · 170
Diamonds
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
I am a
diamond
in the rough
a rock really,
raw edges
Undefined
lines
but if                                     you care
to look
deeper
you can see
With polish
and refinment
I will shine to
Perfection
Want to
Help
Give me a rub
Something I love to play with word art is something  as far as I know I am vented I wear my poems have a recognizable shape  this person is me
Sep 2017 · 196
Hiding in plain sight
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
The faces you see
Are not who
I want to be

My smile is as big
For all to see

Looking Closely
the eyes
Never tells lies

Yet I have scars
You can not know

I have pain
Which would
drive most insane

Is it you
Is it me
Push Away
Would you not feeling well if people ask how are you today don't want it now they just want you to say fine
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