by Susan Ternyey, 1996 (revised 2022) With awe I ponder the fortitude of those valiant pioneers of our past. I used to feel I could never measure up to “the heritage they left us.” (Hymn, “Firm as the Mountains Around Us”) But one day as I lay in a hospital bed, paralyzed from the hipsContinue reading “Whenever I Think of the Pioneers”
Author Archives: Emerging Bird
Who is God, that I should Obey His Voice?
or, “Hold to the Rod, The Iron Rod” by ST We have outgrown God– Like a spoiled child despising the rod– Those before us Are welcome to its correction: We question its justice, Deny any motive of affection. We scorn its strictness As a cover for our revels, And when we get hurt We blameContinue reading “Who is God, that I should Obey His Voice?”
An Appeal
by ST America, wake up! Let go this dream of a carefree childhood– You forget care that then wrinkled you brow. You had all to cope with that so young a one could– By comparison small indeed with what you face now– Now you have grown up, and so have your troubles. Life is notContinue reading “An Appeal”
Betrothal
by ST Why should I become to you betrothed? What great treasure does your love unfold, And lay upon my lap? This could all be just mishap. But then, why is my heart so tangled up with yours? As though your love my love adores– And seeks more assurance, and more assurance finds, And eachContinue reading “Betrothal”
Stars in My Eyes
by ST . . . we met . . . O how the heavens set in such a blush! No longer the mockingbird, but the peaceful dove sent forth its little coo: At last, the perfect melody in that sweet birdsong– It floated over me, tickled my ear ’til I laughed. I walked back toContinue reading “Stars in My Eyes”
Happy Ever After
by ST Five years today we have been wed, Five years we’ve shared the kitchen, bath, and bed, Five years of fifty or sixty at most– The most most couples may hope– But what of the After, the Happily Ever? Why should cruel death our promises sever? Then let us with God, our Witness andContinue reading “Happy Ever After”
Wed Anew
by ST “With this ring I thee wed . . .” Solemn words that I once said– And I meant them, and I do– But there were things left yet unmentioned. So now we vow our vows anew With these new vows enduring, comprehensive; Acquainted more with Life, Myself, and You . . . Familiar,Continue reading “Wed Anew”
Fully Whole
by ST God impressed upon the soul the desire for two to unite, and be more whole. One is whole, but two are one more holy: when man and woman make their vow eternal, and time entwines them . . . loving fully the one the other, and the other the one– and eternity beginsContinue reading “Fully Whole”
Everlasting Love
by ST May God bless you in your life’s new venture; May your interest and living be increased. May you with joy live in God’s indenture– May He continue for Ever your lease To have and hold, as hand in hand You search, invent, and find content– While Life’s circle completes its band And throughContinue reading “Everlasting Love”
Kittyhawk, North Carolina
by ST she tried her first flight: unsteady wings met the breeze. her frame all a-tremble, she took to the air . . . willing . . . as her maker would please. a very short run– never far off the ground. even that looked like too much . . . could she hold herselfContinue reading “Kittyhawk, North Carolina”
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