I don’t even have to tell you how popular tribute poems are — the number that have been rolling into my email in box lately is testament enough! I appreciate all who are reading and wanting to participate in the blog by sending in their poems. I will post as many as I can. For those thinking about sending in poems, here are some guidelines.
Maybe the greatest merit of the tribute poem is its accessibility. Anyone can write one, anyone can appreciate one, anyone can be the subject of one.
Today’s tribute comes from Helen Shubert of Springettsbury Township, who writes about her best friend’s college graduation … at age 60! That fact alone is worthy of tribute, but Helen’s poem rings with the sentiments of true friendship, as well as spiritual faith.
When Alice Graduated College
Alice I am so proud of you
I don’t know where to begin
When I think about all that we’ve both been through
I sigh, I laugh, I smile and I grin.
Remember the times when you sat at your desk,
With your Bible open while you read?
Remember I said ‘you should be working’
And you answered
“and you might consider going to church instead,”
Instead of sinning as I was back then
That’s why I thank God for your presence.
If it wasn’t for you, praying for me
God only knows where I would now be.
I’ve watched you grow into a Saint
Cause you was right there with me!
But the example you provided
In your walk with the Lord
Provided just what I want to grow up to be.
I admire your strength for I know where it comes from
And I strive on a daily basis
To get closer to Jesus as I live my life
To strengthen me for all I face.
Now you’re walking down yet another aisle.
And you worked harder to get to this one.
You deserve all the kudos and congratulations
And you know who to thank…
His name is Jesus, and believe me
He’s the First one!
Next thank your husband, for he supported you
Right from the very start
And don’t forget family and friends you know.
Remember, I played a part.
Remember how I listened to some of your Essays?
I always loved to critique?
Remember when you needed a word spelled correctly?
Yeah, that’s right, who did you seek?
That would be me and that’s why I feel
That I’m walking right next to you
Praise God, Thank you Jesus
I knew you could do it.
That’s all, I love you, I’m through!
Thanks for sharing, Helen!
Beautiful… Both Alice and Helen are very dear friends and it’s great to read such a wonderful tribute from Helen to Alice. Alice is a very special person, just as Helen described, who I am proud to call a friend. Helen and I have been friends since we were teens. She has always aspired to be an author. Maybe this publication will be the catalyst to get her started on her book she has always vowed to write. Go for it girlfriend you can do it. Love you both!
This poem was beautiful. Thank you Helen for the poem and your encourgement. As I read the poem tears formed. While trying to acquire my degree I experience several bouts with sickness, which came to discourage me, but through all of the sickness Helen you were there telling me I can do it so I kept on going. I love you and appreciate your friendship. God put people in our lives for a reason and I thank God that he placed you there for me.
You have always had a desire to write; this is only the beginning and to think I am the first one to go in print with you. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!!
Alice
What a wonderful poem. I loved the way it talks about Alice and her journey to get her degree. It’s obvious she loves the Lord and has been an inspiration to Helen. I also noticed that Helen (lovingly) brought full circle back to herself (LOL). I love your friendship, your love for the Lord and for one another. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face today.
Helen what an awesome tribute to your friend, the two of you have a wonderful relationship that exemplifies what friendship is supposed to be, caring for one another, bearing each others burdens, sharing joy and and laughter and praying for one another. Great and wonderful poem Helen! Keep writing, so that you can put your thoughts in a book. Be blessed friend.
Denise
HB,
You always said you wanted to write a book, well here is your start. The poem is a beautiful inspiration to Alice. I remember back in the day, when we all worked together and Alice always gave her advice but never said anything negative. She is the type that makes you feel comfortable and is not overbearing. She would always try to reel Helen in with praising the Lord. Helen finally gave in and now she is BEAMING with light. I love them both and I’m glad to call them my guardian angels. Always there when you need them!!! This is such a beautiful inspiration and it couldn’t have come from anyone else! This poem is only the beginning!
Helen what a beautiful tribute to friendship. You and Alice have been friends forever and I can always remember you telling me about her having her Bible. Back in the day girl..See we always knew God had his hand on us cousins, just a little hardheaded, we had to wait a little while to come in out of the rain…God is so good…Love you girl, beautiful just like you.
Congratulations Helen, what a very nice and inspirational tribute to your friend Alice. You have always had a way with words, so writing a book will be very easy for you. Thanks for sharing it with me, I appreciate your friendship and honesty and I believe you will master writing that book, trust God and stay focused. GO GET IT, IT’S YOUR TIME
Be Blessed
Mrs. Helen, are you manning the Tissue Committee? As Cindy read this heartfelt tribute her mascara began to run (smile). How beautiful that you can personify your dear friend through your rhetoric. Your analogies and metaphors paint a picturesque portrait for the reader. God’s blessing for continued inspiration with nouns, verbs, and adjectives as you honor your loved ones. We love you! P.S. Cindy wants to know when you are submitting HER tribute? (smile)
Helen, nice meeting you the other day! As Stacia said above, thanks for sharing.
Jim McClure
Unforgiving Winds
I found Nemo to be an unforgiving airstream
Winds that howl like proffering wolves
Whimpering winds whirl witless words that fall on deaf ears
Sassy winds that whip like a chastising belt
Humbling a fresh tongue spoken out of turn
The embedded sting from it burns
This gentle breeze is a reprisal that tires
Generating thoughts that spurn
Narrowing eyes scheme to tattle
Anticipating a time where winds are calm, kind and gentle
Created by: Aretha Brown
2/9/13
Nice to see that Aretha Brown is still on the poetry scene. I enjoyed your poetry class at Boscov and continue to enjoy your poetry.
Larry Tibbs