THE ROSE

God created the rose…
…A perfect medley
…….of color
…………and fragrance
…………….and charm.

Artist paint it
Poets meter it
..into symbols of strength
… beauty unfathomed
..... and love.

All this and one thing more…
….Upon it’s stem He placed a thorn.

Reach for it gently-
Handle it with care.

……..God’s perfect metaphor

None of us flawless..
None of us whole...

I have a thorn or two..

Reach for me gently,
Handle me with care...
....and I will be your rose -
........both petals and pain.

Victoria 2007

Painting: Pink Rose

http://www.justinspaintins.com/

JUST A THOUGHT

Sometimes...
In quiet evenings
After my children were grown and gone,
I would visit their rooms...
And hold a small brown bear...or a lock of hair.

Oh Father God, do You cherish me as I do them?
Do you stand in the Eternities
And hold something of me.....
Awaiting my safe return.

I am forever your child.

Light a candle for me, Father.
I am homeward bound.

Victoria 2008

Painting: Candle -By Justin

THE TASTE THAT LINGERS

I have a friend who thinks the taste of melon
Is the sweetest taste of all…..

Another loves chocolate.

I have a sister who loves the taste of cinnamon
…….and apples in her tea.

A bit honey soothes her soul.

My Mother loved the taste of lemon curd
…….and melted butter…
…………on warm scones.

As for me –

I’ve found the sweetest taste of all
--and none can match its savor or its fill.

The taste of forgiveness
……….both given and received.


Victoria 2006

Patinting: Herbal Tea -by Justin

ADDED UPON

God made her from a little piece of clay.
--sculptor that He is..
Then rested and called her good.

I call her daughter.

How eloquently she reflects His craft.

I stand back and make way for her,
Infinitely aware
Of my own shadow…

Is it not right that we be added upon?
That our own light kindles yet a greater flame
In those we spawn?

She tells me now
A small seed grows in her.

Imagine!!

How great the anticipation!
To warm my heart upon the hearth
Of such a lovely fire.


Victoria 2006

Photo: My sweet daughter Tristin

-and baby due 4/27/07

IN GOD'S TIME

In God's time -

In His vast Universe...
I am but a blink of an eye older than you.

Wisdom?

What wisdom would you have me impart, child?

I have lived long enough to know....
T'is I who would be wise learn from you.

Come take my hand.

We'll fetch your blanket from the dryer...
........still so warm.
Let's share a cup of cocoa....
..........you and I.

I have no wisdom to impart...
...........only love.


Victoria - June 2007

Painting: Cocoa -By Justin

THE KISS

The day was spent and evening drawing nigh..

And yet...

He took the time to brush her hair aside -
And press a gentle kiss upon her neck.

From her....
He drew a puzzled look,
.....and then a smile....
...just a smile.

Dishes in the sink and bills unpaid,
Miles to go before the thought of rest..

.......miles to go.

And yet...

She put some thought into his evening meal.
A little more than usual that day.

And when she fell to slumber in her bed,
With babies in their likeness at her feet...

She dreamed a lovers dream-

Not of the spacious castle where they live,
Not of the silk and satin that she wears,
Not of the lovely diamond on her hand,
Not of their travel to exotic lands.

But of a gift more precious and more prized..

...The kiss...
Just the kiss.

Victoria 2007

Painting: Chocolate Kiss by Justin

-for Frank & Patti

LEARN

Listen child -
As you walk this road,
There will be those who walk with you.

Some will make you smile -
So familiar their essence…
....So soothing…..
.......Like an old quilt on a winters day.
They enjoy the same music..
Hold the same views…
Love the same kind of art and literature.
They laugh at your silly jokes,
And understand you…..
In more ways than you understand yourself.

These we will call friends -

But there are others…..

In their presence
You feel no affinity.
They are frustrating…
Ignite your anger..
..Set you back…
....Try your patience,
........Frighten you --
Their language is unfamiliar
And their values collide with yours.

These we will call teachers.

Friends are cozy...
Teachers are not.

Pay attention...
....They are made in your own likeness -
......See yourself...
……….and learn.

Victoria -2006

Painting: Apples and Orange -by Justin

DEAR ONES

Dear ones -

You were not born to me,

But you are mine none the less.

.

My daughter calls you husband -

My son calls you wife.

I call you by your given name,

But I know more than I've been saying -

More than I've been willing to divulge.

You are the gift.

I laid my heart upon the alter,

And offered up a Mother's prayer.

How sweet to taste His mercy

And to know..

.

You are proof positive....

.

God placed His hand upon my head

......in forgiveness...

..........When He gave me you.

Victoria -2007

For Kenny and Natalie - My dear ones

Painting -Pink Dress (Natalie)- by Justin

We need one of Kenny

SHADES OF GREEN
(To My Sisters)

Your eyes are blue-gray...
Shades of green.
I wonder what
Your eyes have seen.

I wasn't there
When you were small,
To help you get
From short to tall.

I didn't comb
And braid your hair.
When sisters play,
I wasn't there.

No hand to hold,
Or lunch to pack..
To show the way
To school and back.

I wasn't there
To hear your cries.
I didn't come
To dry your eyes.

We never talked
The whole night long,
Or knelt in prayer,
Or shared a song.

Another time,
Another place,
A woman's smile,
A woman's face.

Your eyes are blue-gray...
Shades of green.
I wonder what
Your eyes have seen.

Victoria 1984

Painting: Girl And Wall (my lovely daughter-in-law Natalie)

www.justinspaintings.com

BLINK OF AN EYE

You let out one small cry
Before they placed you in my arms.

So tiny –
You wiggled in your blanket,
Pursed your lips,
And opened your dark blue eyes.

I looked away for one brief moment
Distracted by what caught your gaze.

When I looked back,
There was a woman in your stead --
Smiling at my bewilderment...
----Twirlling in her prom dress,
------Heading out the door.

Victoria 1992

Painting - Thistles -by Justin

PONDER

I passed a homeless man today,
And stopped to ponder..........
What befell this poor soul?
What tragedy his life…
….What providence mine?
So truly blessed…
…………...me.

I dropped a coin into his cup
And turned to walk away……
… tripping over the curb as I went.

“Watch your step, little lady.”
I looked back to meet his smile..
… and a twinkle in his eye.

Yes...

Watch your step, little lady.
...Lest you trip over your pride.
…...Lest you think you know God.
…..…Lest you think yourself better
…………. than another...
…of His precious creations.

Victoria 2005

Photo - Unknown

CREDIT DUE

(Mari)

A tear kissed your face
As you spoke to me of times passed.
Of sorrow too great for one alone to bear.

I am the angel on your shoulder
-----So you say.
I am the one He gave to you.

Friends are prayers made flesh.
This much I know.

You are tired………rest here for a while.
We will talk of better days and wisdom gained.

You make me smile – you sweet, dear soul.
How could you know?
In truth –
It was you --
Who rescued me.

Victoria 2006

Painting: Yellow Rose

www.justinspaintings.com

This one was written by my daughter-in-law, Natalie
for National Poetry Month - About my future granddaughter.
I Love it!!

"She Stays, She Stays"
Natalie Clayton

She stays with the others,
Keeping watch and waiting still.
The pangs of pure patience,
Sometimes it seems they might kill.

Asperity rises,
Time seems delayed.
But peace gently presses
The creases made.

Heavy hands hoist her heart,
Hopeful for what will.
She stays with the others,
Keeping watch and waiting…still.

April 2008

THE GREAT FORGETTING

Sleep little one…
….and when you wake…

There will be a great forgetting.

You will not remember spirit…
…..from whence you sprang..
Nor Heaven…
…..from whence you came.

Sleep little one…
…..and when you wake…

Angels will attend you on your journey,
Angels will attend you on your way.

Angels without wings have I appointed,
Long before this cradle bore your name.

Fret not….

Solemn is the purpose of this slumber.
…….far beyond the scope of finite mind.

Sleep little one…
….and when you wake…

There will be a great forgetting.

Angels without wings will walk before you.
Angels without wings will guide you home.

Victoria -Apr. 2008

Painting: Viking Flower -by Justin

WELCOME

Hello Kyla

Welcome to the world.

It's not as beautiful as heaven,

But lovely none the less.

.

You are born of goodly parents.

Here is your father

-- kind and wise.

Here is your mother

-- whose tender heart you own.

Here is your new body -

---small and helpless -

--- cold and wet.

Sometimes it tickles -

And sometimes it hurts -

But it will grow to fit

Your spirit better...

And then it will be fun.

I am your Nana -

I am here to braid your hair,

............tell you stories..

...and miss you when you're far away.

I am not here to scold you...

...but to help your Momma who I love..

.....to listen and give hugs.

And I am here to love you....

..........bigger than the sky.

Hello Kyla

Welcome to the world.

Victoria 2007

Photo: Kyla Lizet Duncan

Born 5/1/2007

THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER

I wonder…
Will you greet her when she comes?

You have stayed the course.
You have not squandered your Father’s inheritance.
Should you not be the one to win the greater prize?
Should the torch not then be passed to you?

If her reward is equal to your own…..
…How fair is this?

Do you suppose her journey has been sweet -
While you have labored in the field she left?

Is she not the sparrow in the Maker's hand. -
Fallen from the nest -
....................Then gathered home?

She is your sister.

Share with her your secrets…
….She has a few for you.

Your Father's love will hold her still the same.
....Will yours?

Victoria 2007
Painting: Red Apples and a Blue Bowl -by Justin

I KNOW OF LOVE

She will never be your Mother -
Not this one.
We will choose another for you.

You must learn of manners,
And propriety...
And things of the world a woman must know.

You must learn of courtesy,
Which side the fork goes on...
And things of the world a woman must know.

She will teach you well...

…....the new one.
She will teach you of life,
And the order of things,

…..and love.

Ah, yes! I know of love.

I was very young,
But when I close my eyes I see her…
And feel her….
…..the first one.

The gift she gave…...precious!
I whisper it into the ears of my children.

For all I know of her…
All I see….
All I feel...
Is deep..
…..Abiding
……...Love.

Victoria 2000

Painting: Red Rose -by Justin

LIKE FOR LIKE

Complex the realm we live in…

Or so we think.

We struggle against our own shadows..
Defend,

React,

Attack..
In the pursuit of all that turns to dust and ash.

God's universe,
On the other hand,
Is like a boomerang…

No judgement - No fault..

What we send out is returned to us..
Like for like --

Kindness for kindness...
Love for love...

Hate for hate..
War for war.


Victoria - 2001
Painting: Blue Bowl -by Justin

BEHIND THE NIQAB

Islam..........

Why do you fear her so?

She has carried your babies in her womb.
The same strong hand -
...that guides the infants mouth to suckle..
Will be gentle with you -
And true to her God.

She seeks not to be man,
But to reverence the feminine..
.............and bow to Allah.

She seeks not to divide her Nation..
But to honor it with her wisdom and intellect.

Islam...

Prevail over your weakness.
Shame not yourselves...
.... to harm the flesh or your own hand.
Destroy not...
......that which is essential to your being.

What greater gift to offer your sons...
....Than to cherish their Mother.
What greater legacy to your daughters..
....than to live without fear.

Islam...

How proud you must be of her.

Behind the niqab....
......I have seen only her lovely eyes,
But you have looked into her soul.

She has walked a step behind -
And from that place has rocked the world.

She will take down her veil
And walk beside you.
.....Beside you she will stand...
..........Beside you she will heal...

And then...

The war that rages within you
...Will be no more.




Victoria Anne King
5/31/2007

Photo: Zilla Huma Usman -Pakistani minister
for social welfare shot to death my a Muslim
fanatic in 2007 for not wearing a veil.

POSTHUMOUS

Look at these awards!!!
Most sales….

.........First in…..
.............Best at….
Most this....Most that!

Impressive!
I wish he could be here to see…

He looks so peaceful…..
…..so happy.
………..I’ve never seen him like that before.

Victoria 2007
Painting: Lilies -by Justin

THE ART

My son is an artist -
By passion and by trade.

I have witnessed the magic….
….From his eye…
…....To a brush of wood and fiber..
…...... To the canvas.

Extraordinary!

Oh -- but that’s not all…
There is more….
…..So much more than paint and canvas can portray.

Where others have failed…
He can stop the chatter in my mind…
……Turn my heart in an instant…
……….Bring me to my senses and my knees.

I doubt he even knows…

But I would do well to emulate his goodness.

He is the artist….
….And he is the art…
……By passion and by trade.

Victoria 2007

Photo: My son Justin at work.

A MOTHER'S LAMENT

Yesterday you came to me with bruised knees.
I kissed them better --one for each,
And sent you on your way.

How simple it was then.

Today, you spoke to me of a broken heart...
And I could find the words to say,
To Mother all the hurt away.

Tomorrow, when you reach for me,
I must turn away...
Not for lack of words or care..
But --
What you ask of me...
I cannot give.

Better left in His hands dear,
--Not mine.

I can show you many things Son,
But I cannot teach you..
......how to be a man.

Victoria 1994

COCOONS

A small unsightly mass of gray,
Nestled so neatly
Like an infant
In the protection of the leaves…
I almost brushed it way,
Not realizing what it was.

An ugly little caterpillar lay asleep inside,
Caressed by delicate fibers,
Spun so carefully in purpose.

I watched it for a time –
It was still,
No motion,
No sound.
For all outward evidence,
It seemed not to possess life.

We have something in common,
The cocoon and I.
When I hurt I turn inside,
Disillusioned by my own
Incapacity to achieve.

You see no movement –
Hear no sound,
But there is work,
And there is change…going on within.

Come closer -
Listen….
I might not emerge from this chrysalis unscathed,
But I could just grow some wings and fly.

Vicki King 1975

Painting: Yellow Diasy #2 -by Justin

GRANDPA

..

In my hands I hold a booklet,

Small and blue and rather thin,

But I venture not to measure,

All the wealth contained herein.

..

I'm the grandchild of the gentle

Hand who etched upon its page,

Countless words of love and comfort..

Rich and beautiful with age.

..

Words that fall like leaves in Autumn

On the heart as in a rhyme,

Forming couplets as they're drifting

Into tiny piles of time.

..

Words that smell of homemade biscuits,

Or the forest after rain --

Like the joy brought forth from sorrow

Or the wisdom born of pain.

..

Words that speak of one man's story,

As they reach across the years.

Cherished verses call and beckon,

Drenched with laughter - warm with tears.

..

How I savor every lyric

By this quiet candle light.

How I feel the gentle motion

Of his rocking chair tonight.

..

It's as if I almost touch him,

Through his triumphs and his strife,

And I feel a kinship with him,

That I never knew in life.

--

Victoria 1983

Painting: Girl Reading -by Justin

THE SHOES


You were right to return
The shoes -
The ones I gave you only yesterday.

You said they were too new..
....Too beautiful -- unused.
..............Must have been a mistake.

Yes - my mistake...
....Forgive me.

They should have been of gold...
.....Like your heart.

Victoria 1968
Painting: Red Shoes - by Justin

SOME SPIRITS

--

Some spirits seem like strangers,

And others feel like kin.

Some turn away unnoticed,

And others step right in.

..

Passing through this portal,

However short our stay..

Every one a shaman,

Each in her own way.

..

Blessings for the taking,

Nectar on the vine.

Bounty at the harvest,

Fragrance to the wine.

..

Some tarry for a lifetime.

Some only stay the night.

Some brush against our shirtsleeves,

And disappear from sight.

..

Each in her own wisdom,

Each in her own time,

Forever part of your life,

Forever part of mine.

--

Victoria 2007

Painting: Red Grapes -by Jusitn

FREQUENCY

I tune in to my favorite radio station
With the flick of a button.
I know its frequency.

I don't expect to hear country music
On the Classical Band....
Any more than I expect to turn on a light
By reaching for the water faucet.

Strange then....
When God doesn't answer my prayers
.......or so I suppose...
I think myself unworthy.

Surely the same principle applies....
The same logic...

God isn't silent...
Nor does He broadcast on the call letters
Of lack - shame - or blame...

It's just me again...
Tuned into the wrong frequency.

Victoria 2006
Painting: Light Bulb by Justin

HAYDEN

Ten little fingers, ten little toes…
We counted them.
How could things have gone this way?

Were you ours to borrow…
..His to keep?

Reason tells us this love is eternal.
Spirit tells us though the body fails,
The soul lives on.

Hayden…
Precious embodiment of perfect love.
Deep is our gratitude to have known you.
…Altered forever for the good,
The foundation upon which we stand,
…By the touch of a tiny hand.

Heaven holds a piece of us tonight.

God grant us the capacity to bear the sorrow,
And when these eyes rest upon
Your sweet face again…
And they shall -- as God lives.
May He grant our hearts the capacity

To hold the joy.

Victoria - 1/2/2007

In loving memeory of Haden Shell

Painting: Candle #2 -by Justin

NITA - MOM

I have a picture at my place
Of Nita with a younger face -
Emerald eyes, a smile fair,
And daisies in her soft brown hair.


I knew her then -She owned my heart.
I never thought we’d be apart.
I never thought we’d say good-bye.
I see her still in my minds eye -

A sun dress on her shapely hips,
And chocolate on her ruby lips –
Lovely as the break of day,
Her laugh could steal your heart away.

Time has slipped away it seems,
And so have all my childhood dreams.
When next we met she couldn’t speak -
Her fingers bent -her body weak.

Our Nita left the world today -
She closed her eyes and slipped away.
A kiss good-bye - A silent prayer -
She reached for God - and He was there.

Now Nita folds her flawless hands,
How beautiful and straight she stands.
A sun dress on her shapely hips,
And chocolate on her ruby lips.

Our Nita wears a smile up there
And daisies in her soft brown hair.

In loving memory of Juanita Kelley
who passed away on 06/26/01

Victoria 2001
Painting: Yellow Daisy by Justin

LADY SOLDIER

Lady soldier you have lost your way.

The grain of sand in your wounded heart

Has transformed itself into a pearl.

Your babies have grown up to be warriors of Truth.

Look within -

Healing flows from your fingertips,

Nations are waiting to be restored..

While you...

..Stand in line..

....At the men's room.

Victoria 1993

SINGLENESS

When I look in the mirror
I see an old dear friend,
But when I reach for her,
My fingertips touch only hard, cold glass.

There is a veil between the Creator and me –
Placed there with great purpose,
Eternal wisdom and infinite love.

I am a traveler,
Wrapped in my singleness...
Ripped from His perfect presence –
I will dance alone.

Until,

After much reflection,
I will separate – body from spirit,
Reach through the mirror,
And touch Almighty God.

Victoria 1996

Painting: Red Tulip -by Justin

SARAH

Sarah
Blue-eyed Sarah
Forever a child.
Forever a memory.

A dress that didn’t fit –
Hair mussed,
… Plain little face
Looking out through the years
With questions long unanswered.

You called me friend,
But a friend would not have been so cruel.

You were not half so wise as I,
You –
Who befriended loners
…And lost ones.

My life has gone on,
Fridays laughing...
Saturdays loving.

There were times when I thought it was unfair,
And many are the times I think of you..
Little Sarah,
Blue-eyed Sarah,
With a gentle heart that broke…

May I place a flower on your grave?

Victoria 1984
Painting:White Rose -By Justin

TRUE


Three o’clock in the morning -
Blue-gray eyes veiled by heavy lids
In peaceful sleep.

Red-blonde hair -
Soft as baby’s breath on my fingertips,
Falls on your pillow like a feather.

I brush your cheek with a kiss.

I can not promise perfection.
I can not promise wealth.
I can not promise an easy road, son.

But I will never leave you–

This I promise.
True as promise can be.
True as you and me.
True as the sound my mother’s footsteps
As they echo down the hall
And out the door -

Ever silent -
Ever more.

Victoria 2007

TOUGH LOVE

Do you wish to save him from his pain...
….or do you seek to manage yours?

How can he learn to stand alone
If his feet have never touched the floor?

His mistakes are his birthright.

Will you rob him of his lessons
To protect your wounded heart?

Let go………….

God –the Perfect Parent of us all
…..is content to let him fall.
……….will you?

Victoria 2005

Painting: Crayons by Justin

One of my earlier poems...
TREE IN A MEADOW

Tree in a meadow, uncared for, alone -
Untended, unwatched by the sun.
Once lovely, her branches grow brittle and frail,
Once fruitful, her harvest is done.

A snow fall, an ice storm, she leans in the wind,
Burdened and silent and gray.
A statue of stillness, asleep in the night.
-- A survivor who's chosen to stay.

The Parson, the Mayor and people with means,
Once voted to take her down,
And out of existence to kindling wood,
To pacify the town.

A moment, a season, the passing of time,
Still living she stands the same.
Her shadow yet casts upon my mind,
Reminders of whence I came.

It's often I wipe the dew from my pane,
It's often I see her there.
A meadow, a memory, a tear waft down,
On a branch
In the cool night air.

But who can pass judgment or think to assess
The life that is in the root.
Who can determine the worth of a soul,
Or the value of its fruit.

And who can know the mind and will
Of God, or the Powers That Be -
For here we all stand, the fruit of her harvest,
My sisters - my brother and me.

Victoria - 1984

Painting: Tree On A Hill Top -By Justin

TRISTIN MY CHILD

--

Tristin, my child,

Go barefoot today.
The world smells of clover,

And jasmine and May.

The world smells of jasmine,

The sun's in the sky,

And winter has finished

Her last lullaby.
..

Tristin, my child,
I am worry and care.

You are simplicity,

Precious and rare.

You are the freckles,

Now gone from my nose.

You are the guru,

I wished for and chose.

..

How could I scold you,

Or hope to be wise.

You are forever,

My stern heart's demise.

Run to the meadow,

Where time doesn't care.

My blue eyes and Levis,

And baby soft hair.

..

The world smells of clover,

And jasmine and May.

Tristin, my child,

Go barefoot today.

--

Victoria 1975
Painting: Field of Bluebonnets -by Justin

MY HEART IS AN EAGLE

--

My heart is an eagle,

With wings that span the width of my joy.

My joy is manifest..

Deep in the seat of my soul.

My soul is a pilgrim,

Who I have met and jointed hands with

For the journey.

My journey is inward -

True to the thoughts of my mind.

My mind is an infant,

Staring at the wonder of her hands.

My hands are tools of precision,

And with them I will build my home.

My home is my heart,

And my heart is an eagle...

Come fly with me.

--

Victoria 1985

Another of my earlier poems