Category Archives: poetry

poetry

The Strength of the Bannenite

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The Strength of the Bannenite

There are many beautiful flowers in the garden
Clay pots that can crack once they harden.
The sun and the soil help them to grow
Water seeps into their roots, so their petals will show.
Nature is in charge of the seasons; when they bloom
When put on display, they enhance every room.
Their petals will wilt without proper care
Tend to the garden and their beauty you will share.
When a rose bud blooms, there is no greater sight
It’s thorns proof, it’s prepared for the fight.
Behold the sunflower, that grows and stands so tall
No matter nature’s force, she will never fall.
Strong winds may come and the storms crash in
They’re more than “A summer thing til it goes out of fashion.”
The Bannenite is sturdy, can withstand more than you’d think
She doesn’t wilt in the sun, nor the water make her shrink.
Her leaves are radiant, she’s known for her hue
She doesn’t need much tending, she knows what to do.
You won’t need to dress her up with baby’s breath sprigs
Or worry about her delicacy when arranged next to twigs.
She can stand on her own, or be added to a bouquet
Her beauty never lost amongst a large display.
If given the chance, she will enhance every arrangement
She’ll flourish with each opportunity for engagement.
For as much love as you give her, she will return
For another kind of flower, you will not yearn.
You’ll take pride in knowing you invested and cared
And in her beauty and growth you will have shared.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

July 2016

For Kelleigh Bannen, who I’ll always love and support.

Original post can be found here.

poetry

The Shadow

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The Shadow
It’s always there behind you, even when you don’t know it
It can never leave you, but of it you often forget.
When the sun is shining, it is brightly cast
When the night draws near, it will no longer last.
Sometimes it creeps up on you; it is as dark as the night
But somehow it is only visible when you are in the light.
It can never fully leave you, just sometimes disappear
It’s the only thing you know will always be here.
Desperately you’re fleeing, it cannot show
But it will never leave; it will follow where you go.
It follows in your footsteps it goes where you lead
Something you figure you can live without, you don’t know you need.
Always so predictable, yet you long for its return
Following close behind, of yourself you learn.
Figures form of a similar face
You quicken your step, it follows each pace.
What is this thing which you try to outrun?
Why does it follow you, only come out in the sun?
This shadow you lose never fades away
Yet you only remember it on a sunny day.
That sun you see is your happy smile
When dark days come it is there all the while.
The dark seems unbearable, you are not alone
For that light in the shadow is waiting to be shown.
Though often you forget, it will always remain
Following your footsteps, calling out your name.
 
~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas
 
                                                                           July 27, 2005

For Christine C. hoping for brighter days ahead. Age 17.

poetry

Friendship’s Growth

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Friendship’s Growth
Friendship’s end will never come
For those blessed, certainly some.
Those that never lose sight
Of friendship’s true light.
Those that try and care
And those who are always there.
Those who put others first
And stick it out for better or worse.
Friendship is built on love and upon it made strong
With a strong foundation, that love can last long.
For love grows in friendship and friendship grows in love
And both are made to last with the Father’s grace above.
So picture all your friends, all that love can you see?
How much you must have, for you have so much from me.
I thank you for you love and kindness, for being my friend
I’m thankful for our time together, that there is no end.
What a wonderful gift, God has chosen to give
That in the midst of our friendship, God can truly live.
Renewed and made strong and able to know
How our faith in God allows our friendship to grow.
I thank you for your hugs and for the time together we spend
I am most truly blessed that God has given me such a friend.
Be blessed this day and know how much I care
and how wonderful it is to always have you there.
I love you beyond this simple phrase
For your life, to Him I give the praise.
 
~ Jen Vargas
 

July 14, 2004

 
For Becky on her birthday. Age 15

poetry

Keep Holding On

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Keep Holding On
You wake up every morning and it takes a little while
To forget about what’s going on, to put on your smile.
Your heart is heavy and your head confused
You do so much for others and then get used.
Sometimes you want to escape, make it all go away
But you find many reasons that lead you to stay.
The strength of your husband is only the start
Your children’s laughter, brings joy to your heart.
The way your kids want to cuddle and just have you around
The quiet of your children sleeping, the loveliest sound.
The way your BFF makes you laugh and gets all your jokes
The help you get with your kids by living near your folks.
The involvement of your church, worship with the band
Having a friend to pray with, who will always take your hand.
The support of your colleagues, the strength of your bond
The multitude of students, and of you they are so fond.
The joy of summer and not having to teach
The warmth of the sun while tanning at the beach.
Energy renewed after a good night’s sleep
Photos you’ve taken, memories you’ll keep.
Endurance gained while running the race
Puppies kisses as they lick your face.
The wonders of the world will never be as great
As the plans God has in store while in darkness you wait.
The hardships in your life are always on your mind
But your strength remains, for hope in God you find.
Although the storms seems huge, you know not what to do
Keep faith in what you believe, for God will pull you through.
When it seems as though you cannot bear any more,
Cast your worries on me, that’s what friends are for.
I will never desert you, I’ll stay by your side
I will never betray you, in me you can confide.
When words aren’t needed, I’ll put your hand in mine
Stay with you through the darkness, in morning, light will shine.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

May 31, 2009

For Christine M, who’s burdens I wish I could carry.

poetry

Love’s Perfect Mold

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Love’s Perfect Mold
Hope, love, joy… you can’t always see when it’s there
People do many things, to show that they care.
A mother reads to her children, before she puts them to bed
She tucks them in tight and kisses their head.
She brushes their hair and washes their clothes
When others are mean, a mother’s love shows.
A sister’s love may not always be clear
She says some things you don’t want to hear.
She pushes you down and calls you a name
But she’ll defend you if someone tries the same.
A teacher’s love helps you to learn
Patient and kind, lets you talk out of turn.
She marks you down, it helps you to grow
So as you age, her knowledge you’ll know.
A wife’s love and devotion is beautiful to see
She can put up with a man, and with him agree.
She’ll work, clean, and cook without complaint
A wife should be praised, for she is a saint.
The greatest love of all, is the gift of a friend
She loves without condition, she loves til the end.
She loves for no reason, her arms open wide
When life gets tough, she stays by your side.
It is not self-seeking, it exists just to give
A friend’s love offers hope, it helps you to live.
All of this love is not easy for one heart to hold
It’s rare to possess, yet you fit the mold.
When the world turns cold and no one is kind
I know in you, a friend I’ll always find.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

February, 17, 2009

For Christine M, who was once my teacher and then my friend.