Nathan is a bit of a poet, did you know it?

Nathan enjoys writing poetry.  He wrote me several poems while we were dating, a handful of poems during the first couple years we were married, and only a couple during the last 10 years of our marriage.  He was mentioning how he really needs to write me more, and I suggested that he write a poem for each of the children. 

Last fall as Jadyn was starting kindergarten, he gave her a poem.  Just last month he finished Maya's poem.  We have a spot with them framed with a corresponding picture (rainbow for Jadyn, castle for Maya) as you go downstairs.  I know the girls don't really understand the words yet, but I know as they get older they will appreciate the words their father so lovingly crafted for them.  I look forward to seeing what Bennett's poem will be. 

Here are the poems (Jadyn's first, Maya's second):

Heaven’s Miracle              September 2011

Rainbows are a miracle sent from God above,

A promise to His prophet to stay the raging flood.

A dazzling arc of sunshine, a wonder to behold,

More beautiful than sapphires; more valuable than gold.

A perfect blend of color in yellows, reds, and greens,

One can’t help but marvel at the beauty of the scene.

An artist’s magnum opus; a crowning labor of the heart,                                                       

A masterpiece on canvas; a priceless work of art.

All colors of the spectrum, a prism full of light,

Radiant beams reflected through the darkest clouds of night.

So simple in its glory yet so flawless in its hues,

A rainbow is perfection, symmetrical and true.             

My daughter, you’re a miracle sent from celestial worlds on high,

A plea from anxious parents to the Father of our lives.

Our prayers did not go unnoticed; our hopes were not in vain,

A precious little baby as perfect as the rain.

 

Your beauty is remarkable; your smile melts the gloom,

A treasured flower’s blossom in early morning bloom.

Your laughter is contagious; you are so full of life,

A friend to comfort those in need, dispel contentious strife.

Righteousness and virtue form the fabric of your soul,

May benevolence and kindness be your constant goal.

Like a rainbow, your true beauty is not outward but within,

A tapestry of color displayed in perfect unison.

You hold your candle upward for all the world to see,

The Savior is your light source in perfect luminosity.

Oh Jadyn, may you ever avoid the snares of sin,

Remember that true beauty comes as you follow Him.

A Royal Legacy                      April 2012                      

The castle crowns the rolling plains in majesty and grace,

A mighty fortress built of stone; a bulwark of its race.

Splendid towers bathed in light as the sun begins to set,

Banners dance upon the breeze in graceful pirouettes.                         

                                                                                                                           

Travelers from far and wide press to reach its gates,

Royalty from distant realms flanked by heads of state.

Flowing silks and priceless gems adorn the lovely scene,

The celebration marks the coronation of a queen.

From a tower high above the court, the princess stares in awe,

Surprised to see so many guests for the changing of the guard.

 “Dearest one, the time has come to take your rightful place.”

She turns and smiles brightly when she sees her father’s face.

“Oh father, I’m not ready to assume the kingdom’s crown.”

“I have so little knowledge and no experience or renown.”

The wise old king held her close in a gentle, warm embrace,

“My daughter, love and kindness are the only crucial traits.”  

Greatness requires more than crowns or a royal legacy,

It demands wise and prudent counsel, compassion and empathy.

Bravery and valor as you conquer mankind’s greatest fears,

Loyalty and honor earned through toil, sweat and tears.

Oh Maya, you’re our princess from our eternal home above,

A gift to grateful parents who treasure you with love.

A joy beyond description; a missing piece within our hearts,

A beloved little daughter who’s been a blessing from the start.

You’re blessed with striking beauty, elegance and grace.

But what truly defines you are your devotion, love and faith.

You’re compassionate and loving; spirited and free;

Strong in your convictions; firm in your decree.

You are a royal daughter who’s promised all the Father hath,

May the Savior be your mentor to guide in wisdom’s paths.

Share your gifts and talents; serve your fellow men.

Stand for truth and righteousness as you seek to follow Him.

A friend to those downtrodden; a support to feeble knees,

Compassionate and caring – a model of charity.

True happiness will fill your soul as you labor in His cause,

For when you serve your fellow men, you only serve your God.

One day you’ll be perfected; a castle of our own,

A family that’s forever; a marriage set in stone.

Eternal life will be your prize, a joy beyond delight,    

Celestial kingdom grandeur bathed in glorious shards of light.