October is the month that shares the beauty of falling leaves, changing colors, and the crispness of the landscape. We move through the newly fallen leaves slowly, watching and listening to the sounds of the woods. The woods share this pleasure with many walkers in my community. Besides nature's healing, the Bible offers stories of healing by the hands of Jesus. One in particular reminds me of Jesus' hands healing the lepers. A teacher at Catholic High School shared stories of the leper colony in her home state of Hawaii. The stories were sad, but they defined the meaning of compassion: "a deep awareness and empathy for the suffering of others, with a strong desire to alleviate pain." I researched many definitions of the word compassion. The one I shared helps me understand why renew is an important one word for me. In the silent pause of morning, I consider how I can help others move their cross forward. My one word, renew, surfaces at a time when life across the continents is troublesome.
Some compassionate people come forward to ignite new lights. Others who are self-indulgent waffle.
I thank our Spiritual Journey Thursday host, Kim Johnson, for offering the awe-inspiring word, compassion, for our prompt today. I am still trying to not let grief drown me in mourning over my husband's sudden passing.
Overwhelmed By the Unforeseen
grief robs our beings
sends sorrow to our souls
leaves us restless in need of compassion
we pause in the wake of compassion
understanding others' needs to strengthen their beings
with cause, we stand to strengthen our souls
October's landscape will play a part for overwhelmed souls
while nature spreads her compassion
with sweeping arms around human beings
human beings whose souls are scarred need comfort and compassion
draft ©CVarsalona, 2025, tritina poem
May we all fill our hearts and others with compassion to bring moments of true peace into the world.
Thank you to my author friend, Matt Forrest Esenwine, for hosting Poetry Friday this week. Due to many to do lists, I am combining Spiritual Journey with Poetry Friday. because the topic of compassion needs addressing in this mixed up world.
