“A parable with the peacefulness of a sunset and all the promise of a sunrise”
I took the picture below in Clearwater Beach, Florida in nineteen eighty-five, back then you actually had to wait until you got your film developed to see what you’d captured with your camera. I recall taking several shots and could hardly wait to see how they’d turned out and had my imagination captured by this one in particular.
In fact, I remember pondering the reason, as to why what appeared to be a very old Spanish Galley would be sailing toward the sunset at such a late hour, when the possibility dawned on me (no pun intended) of just how magical it would be, if this old ship were to continue sailing into the sunset and then able to emerge completely restored into a glorious sunrise on the other side.
It was nearly twenty-three years later when setting up a website to promote my inspirational writings that I decided to use this picture for its banner, as it was not only the very image that inspired me to begin illustrating my writings with photography, but was also the one that moved me to write the following verse.
I truly hope its message of faith provides the peacefulness of a sunset, all the promise of a sunrise and a measure of comfort & hope to those who read it.
The Best is Yet to Come
They reluctantly gathered by the shoreline,
watching as she plunged into the stormy sea.
The waves swirling, as her frail bow
dipped beneath their surface.
watching as she plunged into the stormy sea.
The waves swirling, as her frail bow
dipped beneath their surface.
When suddenly, with one last gasp
she turned toward the horizon,
becoming nothing more than a spec
on the face of a setting sun.
she turned toward the horizon,
becoming nothing more than a spec
on the face of a setting sun.
Then someone with a catch in their voice,
choking back tears whispered;
choking back tears whispered;
“There she goes.”
On a distant shore, another group anxiously gathered.
The sun was just rising, casting its reflection
over the still waters.
The sun was just rising, casting its reflection
over the still waters.
When what first appeared as a dot on a faint skyline,
turned out to be the arrival of a beloved friend.
turned out to be the arrival of a beloved friend.
Those on shore began to jump and cheer,
as she was just as they remembered.
Then someone with joy in their voice exclaimed;
as she was just as they remembered.
Then someone with joy in their voice exclaimed;
“Here she comes.”
©2000 Richard Lawrence Belford
It’s commonly believed that as we begin to lose the people we are closest to over the course of our lifetimes we never really do find closure, if there’s even such a thing. We just gain a measure of acceptance, after all death is inevitable. It’s not a matter of if, but when.
However, if we are fortunate enough to live a relatively long life there will come a time when there will be far less to leave behind in this world and much more to look forward to in the next, through the sheer joy of meeting up with and rekindling relationships with all the people we have lost. As author Charles Dickens said; “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”
~
About the Author: Richard Lawrence Belford is an Inspirational Writer who has been on a nineteen year creative journey that has allowed him to become well-published. A journey that’s been fueled by his genuine desire to provide faith, comfort & hope to those in grief.
His inspirational writings have been illustrated with photography on a series of wall décor products beautifully designed by Reed Photo Art & Imaging Inc that are professionally printed on metallic photographic paper with a UV protective laminate with a contemporary black beveled edge.
The Best is Yet to Come is available at amazon.com and signsforyourlife.com or can be purchased wholesale in a variety of sizes by registering at: asignofwisdom.com.
A complete collection of equally inspiring wall decor products featuring Richard’s writings can be viewed by visiting his website’s product gallery at the following link: www.richardlawrencebelford.ca/product-gallery.php
Richard has also written a bereavement book that includes a collection of his inspirational parables, accompanied by the stories behind their creation. It is entitled; “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later.”
A parable by definition is a symbolic short story that illustrates or teaches some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. He trusts that his parables, along with these stories will stir some emotions in you that we’ve all felt, emotions that can help bring some small measure of solace to those suffering the loss of someone dear to their heart.
Richard is actively looking to partner with a publishing company and hopes to have his book published in the near future. He also genuinely hopes that after reading this book people will be inspired to always say; “I’ll see you later, instead of goodbye.”
- See more at: https://scriggler.com/DetailPost/Poetry/43523#sthash.gfFNi1fJ.dpuf
Comments
Post a Comment