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.
Carol, what a gorgeous poem. Grief absolutely "robs our beings." Death, even when expected, is such a ripping-away. People say death is "natural" but, Biblically speaking, it is not. It didn't exist in God's newly-created world. Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus over the horrific curse death is, that humanity, created in the image of God, should have to suffer it. His own death was imminent. Glory to God for the Resurrection! We have hope! That last line of your poem is a gem of truth, indeed. Our souls are scarred and we need comfort and compassion... we need to BE that comfort and compassion for others, as best we can. I have been reflecting on the Gospels a lot recently, especially the compassion of Jesus, which is mentioned over and over. He saw people; he saw their suffering. No one who came to him for healing was turned away. Yes - our God is a God of renewal. And restoration. We will see just how much, one day, and we will be awed beyond compare. In the meantime, we "help each other move our cross forward." How beautifully said, Carol. Strength to you each day as you continue to navigate your grief - I know the Lord carries you close to his heart, my compassionate friend.
ReplyDelete-- comment is from me :)
ReplyDeleteCarol, I think back to the time when you lost your husband and remember feeling such sadness in those first few days. I was moved that you were able to write and open your heart the way you did, thinking I would not have that kind of fortitude that you did. You were one of the people I immediately thought of in the grief of losing dad - the way you picked up your pen and wrote. And let your feelings pour onto the page. And I never have told you this, but you inspired me to do the same. I particularly think of this today as you wrote: In the silent pause of morning, I consider how I can help others move their cross forward. You certainly do, and you do it without ever knowing it. I admire you, I'm deeply sorry for your loss, and you have so much to teach all of us about how to move our crosses forward. Hugs and blessings to you, Carol!
ReplyDeleteKim, I thank you for letting me how you felt during this grieving time. Unfortunately, the waves of sorrow have come my way again. They moved in so close to me without any sign. I think this may be the way of grief so be careful as you walk your journey. There will be stumbling but hold on to your faith. The young priest told all of us at Mass that we need to increase our faith and that we shall try to do. Stay strong, Kim.
DeleteCarol: Thank you so much for this gorgeous post and poem. I also am drawn to the phrase about "helping others move their cross forward." What a remarkable way of thinking about compassion. I commend you for thinking of others at this time...demonstrating your compassion. At the same time, you have your own grief to bear. I remember talking about grief when our infant son died. The counselor spoke about grief "work." It is work, but God allows it to come and go in waves, so we can come up for air now and then. I am thinking of you, wishing you time and energy and peace. God holds you in his hand. Blessings each day.
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful, important poem, Carol - and yes, compassion will save us all. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Matt, for commenting. I feel blessed having such wonderful friends.
DeleteCarol, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you. What a beautiful poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your condolences and your comments. They touched my heart.
DeleteCompassion is in painfully short supply - so many people are hurting, are fighting battles we can't see. Moving through life with compassion for our own pain and the hidden pain of those around us makes the world a kinder, gentler, more loving place.
ReplyDeleteJane, I wish the world could know how important it is for us to make sure we do have a kinder, gentler and more loving place as you said. Compassion is the key.
DeleteNature spreading her compassion...that's an image I will wear today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I want to focus on “renew” for a moment. I know that many people are not fond of autumn and what comes after it. But, for me it helps to remember that while things have gone dormant, they are renewing their energy so that come spring they can burst forth with a new sense of life and vitality. I think grief works this way as well. We are saddened by our loss, but when that sadness lifts, we have a renewed appreciation for life and the friends that were there for us during our time of grief. Bob
ReplyDeleteYou had me at "Overwhelmed By the Unforeseen." The news comes at us from every direction and in every unbelievable way shape and form. Overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteMary Lee you are right. This weekend I read on FaceBook that another one of my friends will be moving to hospice and the other best friend had a serious heart attack and will go to rehabitation soon. Overwhelmed does not say enough at this time.
DeleteCarol, I do hope you find comfort in October. Your poem is a lovely tritina about compassion. My favorite stanza is the last one where nature comforts us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margaret. the weather is beautiful now but cold weather is coming our way in a few days. I hope nature brings us comfort because I can use it.
DeleteCarol, your reference to "scarred souls" in need of compassion strikes a deep tone for me. They/we are everywhere -- souls in search of "sweeping arms" who will walk with us. I hope October's beauty will bring about time for consolation.
ReplyDeletePatricia, your thoughts bring me back to my grad school days. One of my professors asked me to take an internship at the juvenile detention center to teach the teenage boys how to read and write. When I arrived I saw so many scarred souls who needed compassion. They shared their troubles and the reason they ended in the center far away from their NYC homes. They also told me that they did not want to go home because they were scared to go back where there was drugs and gangs. I never forgot that experience. Have a wonderful week.
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