John Alexander - My Journey Into Writing In Rhyme - Friends -Words Like Leaves

My Journey Into Writing In Rhyme By John Alexander

My journey into writing in rhyme began rather abruptly in early 2017, sitting in a doctor’s office waiting room as my wife was going through a long series of troubling medical issues. As I sat there feeling sorry for her, feeling she’d been “dumped on”, and realizing I was unable to control the garbage falling in the form of medical issues, the image of a mouse in a dumpster came to me. I began writing a story of that little mouse, and I wrote it in rhyme. I’m not sure why, but that’s the way it came to me, and writing the story about a little mouse who had joy in spite of the steady stream of garbage that fell on her, helped both of us to cope and realize that joy does not come from circumstances, it comes from within. That little mouse in the dumpster began my journey into rhyme. I continued writing rhymes and in early 2020 I began writing poems as part of my quiet time most mornings. My wife encouraged me to share them with others, so I began sharing them on my website, http:// QuietTimeRhymes.com/blog as an encouragement to others. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share some of them with the Faith On Every Corner family.

Blessings, John

Friends By John Alexander

I cherish all my friends who pray, Who hear my words, care what I say.

They share a laugh or shed a tear. When I’m in need a friend is near.

Surrounded by so many prayers, How can I feel the weight of cares?

We share a bond; we know the Lord. We bow in prayer in one accord.

We fellowship; we share our heart. We give support when we’re apart.

They’re at my side to lift me up, To keep me going, fill my cup.

Though earthly friends may come and go, There’s one who’s always true I know.

He’s always there, my closest friend, The Lord whose love will never end.

Words Like Leaves By John Alexander

Words spread like leaves that fall down from the trees.

They flutter about, and they go where they please.

Some leaves show their beauty with colors so bright,

While others all withered, no longer share light.

Our world’s filled with words of all colors and hues,

I’ll never hear all of them, how do I choose?

Many words all around me, I have to discern,

Which words build me up, help me grow, help me learn.

Some words come my way that I hold close and keep.

Some others are hurtful, I toss in a heap.

Letting go of what’s cruel will help me be free,

No resentment or bitterness clinging to me.

Wise words can speak truth when they’re spoken in love.

They whisper so softly, descend like a dove.

I will cherish the words that I love like old friends.

The ones warm and cozy, not swayed by new trends.

What I hear, what I read, is important to me.

Words I share form the image that others can see.

Some people stay distant, no need to be near,

Just a causal “howdy” is all they will hear.

Others come nearer, we’ll share a porch swing,

And talk about weather, or flowers, or spring.

A few will grow close, and we sit by the fire,

Sharing dreams of the future and our heart’s desire.

But how do my words reach beyond those I know,

To share what I’ve learned and help others to grow?

I can share all my thoughts if I write from my soul.

My words can bring comfort, help others be whole.

My words can be read even though we’re apart,

Like leaves from a tree that are shared from my heart.

John Alexander lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.