Through Grief and Grace
by Edward Holmes
THROUGH GRIEF AND GRACE
In this garden of life,
we planted a precious seed
under the warmth of Your summertime smile
and waited for You to do what only You can do.
Bending softly into Your radiance,
we were satiated by providence–
made full and fond amid fertile fronds
by this intimate care of loyal love.
In time, tiny green fingers poked
up,
up,
up,
through seed and soil to
see the sun– one,
three, ten tiny leaves,
fragile, but free
like we.
Eventually, a sprout lifting
out to declare its presence
Beneath the cardinal’s summer song.
But soon,
color faded
for brown
as its
stem bent
down and
bowed un-
der the
rhythm
of spring-
time drop-
lets from
a slate
sky.
We fold from lack of light.
Questions grow like weeds, and I
wonder while we’re waiting in the wilting
in this garden of life and death.
Four seasons of rain filled our solemn loamy soul
while sunlight kissed the bulbs adjacent–
annual life, with days spent in the tender love
of lingering illumination.
Blessed were the tulips,
petunias,
impatiens.
And yet, this wetness won’t relent
as we bent in a daily deluge. Yet,
as I lifted my head, I realized
You saturate this ground with Your eyes
when little shoots die.
We ask “why,”
but You cry
with mankind
as we find
You stand by
the garden side
as the God who rains
over me relentlessly
So, spill over these repentant petals and
let us grow again,
up,
up,
up,
through grief and grace to
see the sun– one
day at a time.
in this garden of life and death and love.
EDWARD HOLMES
Edward Holmes is a writer on a mission to spread hope into hearts through the written (and often spoken) word. He has written children's books, devotionals, and poetry collections. He shares new poems weekly through his podcast Life Lines. His writing is hopeful, humorous, and honest—all fueled by black coffee and dark chocolate.
Edward has an affinity with practical theology and biblical apologetics, previously serving as an evangelist and youth minister for seven years in Missouri. He currently resides in Illinois with his wife and kids, living every day with three reasons to keep hope alive. Edward is also a contributor at TheWayBack2Ourselves.com and producer of The Way Back Podcast’s Poetry Corner: Listen here.
If you find him online, say "Hi!" He'd love to strike up a conversation with you. You can find him on Instagram @edwardlee_on_ig.