The Keeper

I've been digging through some of my old writings...looking for something specific (which I still haven't found because I'm easily distracted by all the other things...such as old radio ads I wrote and voiced, essays from high school and college, and even some old notes passed in class, etc.). I did find this; however, and I am astounded that even at the tender age of sixteen I had a passion for love over correction/judgment. I think I've always resented someone who'd rather serve as God's police officer rather than an on-staff doctor/healer. And I know I've always celebrated people who love to celebrate others. That's probably why I was attracted to the teachers I admired in school...their characters tended toward encouragement, inspiration, and nurturing vs. constant correction or disappointment...But, I digress. I hope you enjoy this poem from 16 yr. old Beth.



May 9, 1999

The Keeper

Gentle creature of an endearing kind,
flutters through the spacious blue sky.
Grace surrounds it, an aura of light,
the colors of dawn trace its flight.
In a field of colorful jewels it lands,
and the petal on which it rests never bends.
I sit there content to watch it rest,
and with a certain thought my mind is pressed.
"Such a beautiful creature of sweet perfection
was not always so," says my mind in correction.
An unattractive creature it once was,
slow, clumsy, and covered with fuzz.
But when the time of its adolescence ended,
out of a cocoon came the creature God intended.
"From a sluggish creature to one full of grace."
I thought with understanding shown on my face.
So many people are much like this small wonder
but others on that thought do not often ponder.
They dismiss these potentially beautiful beings,
without thought and blinded to what the Creator is seeing.
An unfinished masterpiece into a work of art;
but, instead, they ignore the call of His heart.
I look up to see it flutter away,
but with my thoughts I am content to stay.
What a tragedy to see such a creature leave,
yet renewed in my heart is a purpose so deep.
I do not wish to impede a life of such beauty
for to see to their protection is my God-given duty.
With a purpose in my heart I up and stroll away.
feeling a paradigm shift has occurred on this day.
Yet I ask, "Will I fail in my purpose and can I succeed,
and will you help me and begin to plant a small seed.
Let not one creature whose season of change has not come
be discouraged or defeated by those whose hearts are numb.
Encourage and protect these undeveloped creatures.
Be their support, their mentors, and their teachers.
For one day when you briefly glance away
a nearly divine transformation will take place.
That sluggish creature and seeming object of duty,
will become a gloriously wing-ed beauty.
And, freely, it too will fly away,
and there will be no sorrow felt on that day.
For you were its keeper in its time of need,
and your joy will be full for you planted the seed."