CEDAR OF LEBANON

To a friend who is always dear and close to my heart

The Cedar of Lebanon

You are exemplary; different from the rest

I’ve watched you conduct yourself 

in face of extreme adversity

You found humor in every facets and harsh reality of life.

There was never a dull moment.

Trials were placed in their rightful perspective.

Catastrophic circumstances shrunk into just

minor inconvenience.

I saw the simplicity of life

lived with grace and contentment.

 How happy and blessed you are,

like the great cedars of Lebanon.

Sparrows find solace in your mighty branches

Drawn to the source and strength of your faith.

Something that I've always admired

and coveted the most.

You always had that special glow in your face

That little sparks that can ignite even a damp spirit.

From cover to cover I’ve read your life.

You bridged the gap between lip service 

and life of servanthood.

The radiance of your countenance is like pure gold.

I've tasted the sweet fragrance

of frankincense and myrrh

This has been your cologne.

And your perfume led me to the Rose of Sharon.

 Though it may rain every day.

The rainbow preferred to settle

high above your temple.

You are a man of your own word

A prayer warrior.

 I delighted being around you.

O how I've wished you've been my parent

Or my best friend back in school.

I have always desired for you to be

the Barnabas of my life.

Yet somehow something subtly waned.

Your leaves craved for a different sun.

Our roots once met and entwined, 

unraveled and burrowed an opposite path.

Your highly prized resins sold

to some chintzy local merchants. 

I've weathered my own perfect storm… alone

You saw me stumble and falter.

In dire fear and deep anguish.

And I saw you cast the first stone

You’ve bruised my ribs with your favored foot. 

Your flaming arrows found their mark,

pierced my broken wings 

and bandaged heart.

I still felt the scars of yesterday's past

Though that mortal wound has healed.

Countless times unannounced, uninvited.

Resentment came to visit the field, 

but never settled.

For seeds of forgiveness were sown,

and agape sprouted.

Its roots were firmly planted, 

entrenched, 

deep within this fertile heart ...

by NeiL ArandA 8/17/14

 

Author's Note

The cedar of Lebanon is a tall evergreen tree which has been prized for its high quality timber, oils and resins for thousands of years. The national emblem of Lebanon was famously used to build the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, as well as the ships and temples of the Egyptian pharaohs. The resin of the cedar of Lebanon was even used in mummification by the Ancient Egyptians.

Rose of Sharon - other given name of the Lord Jesus
Barnabas- name also implies "son of encouragement". who had been a vital source of encouragement to Apostle Paul missionary journey and ministry.

Truth that is not undergirded with love and compassion makes the truth obnoxious and its possessor repulsive.

Reviews

[Dhaye]

Neil, this is a masterpiece, no doubt! Your wisdom is really evident here, my dear bro. I know nothing about the cedar, and other terminologies you used in this piece. Thank you for the informations given through the author's note.
This is the kind of poem I used to read from you, and so long that I am waiting to read. You know how much I support the inspirational and spiritual writers in this site. I admire all of you here and wish I can be like you...but your wisdom was a true gift from God.
As to the concept/content, I see this one like that in the story of the prodigal son.
I want to say bravo for this. Please continue inspiring and leading people to Him. Thank you for sharing an excellent poetry.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Dhaye .... this is just an excess baggage that I have been trying to explain and put into words so it can be better understood and put into right perspective. Every life experience and encounter, whether its good, bad, or ugly has always purpose and in fact can also be beneficial to us if we know how to respond properly. I have more to say to your comments but I'm not that wise. I'm not breaking new grounds either :) ... There's more writers on this site that's reserves for that compliment and title.

[Leo]

Fine words and imagery written in utter finesse and eloquence..amazing usage of figurative language.."I saw the simplicity of life lived with grace and contentment" this line shows the smart observer in you.."You found humor in every facets and harsh reality of life" wonderful line that resonated with my thoughts on life: conviction and happiness rule over adversity or at least it should and if not then try harder..in a nutshell, your poem is brilliant with many life lessons and touched me in every way. Bravo great poet!

[Frank]

You are different and exemplary than the rest

[Neil, you need to turn around these words, exemplary is not a comparator, it is a statement of quality so better this way:
You are exemplary, you are different to the rest]

I’ve watched you conducts yourself under extreme adversity
[I have watched you conduct...]

You found humor in every facets and harsh reality of life.
[There is humour in your every facet...]
There was never a dull moment.

Trials were placed in their rightful perspective.
Catastrophic circumstances shrunk into just
minor inconvenience.
I saw the simplicity of life
lived with grace and contentment. [excellent stanza]

How happy and blessed you are,
like the great cedars of Lebanon.
Sparrows find solace in your mighty branches
Drawn to the source and strength of your faith.
Something that I've always admired
and coveted the most. [good comparison]

You always had that special glow in your face
That little sparks that can ignite even a damp spirit.
From cover to cover I’ve read your life. [suggestion: I have seen...]
You bridged the gap between lip service
and life of servanthood.

The radiance of your countenance is like pure gold.
I've tasted the sweet fragrance
of frankincense and myrrh
This has been your cologne. [suggestion: ... been your balm]
And your perfume led me to the Rose of Sharon.

Though it may rain every day.
The rainbow preferred to settle
high above your temple.
You are a man of your own word
A prayer warrior. {excellent]

I delighted being around you.
O how I've wished you've been my parent
Or my best friend back in school.
I have always desired for you to be
the Barnabas of my life.

Yet somehow something subtly waned.
Your leaves craved for a different sun.
Our roots once met and held each other,
unraveled and burrowed an opposite path.
Your highly prized resins sold
to some chintzy local merchants.

I've weathered my own perfect storm… alone
You saw me stumbled and faltered. [stumble and falter]
In dire fear and deep anguish.
And I saw you casted the first stone
You’ve bruised my ribs with your favored foot.
Your flaming arrows found its mark, [their mark-plural must agree-arrows plural their plural]]
pierced my broken wings
and bandaged heart.

I still felt the scars of yesterday's past
Though that mortal wound has healed.
Countless times unannounced, uninvited.
Bitterness and resentment came to visit the field,
but never settled.

For seeds of forgiveness were sown,
and agape sprouted.
Its roots were firmly planted,
entrenched,
deep within this fertile heart ...

I suppose a love poem, a worship poem a prayer or a hymn of praise. You use Biblical reference throughout as do the psalms. It is a very good work, there are some slight grammatical improvement needed in the earlier stanzas but you settle down well. I think you have poured your heart into this work Neil, and I feel you have obtained great enjoyment in the writing. well done.

Neil, I feel this work is not complete, I think it is one you need to prune slightly with so many modifiers, but carefully. Try not to be overly emotive.

[NeiL ArandA]

Ah...You finally graze this brother Frank with your perceptive eye . I thought it was already complete . I will carefully compare what you just pointed out here . This piece is something that I have experienced . Even professing christian can make mistake and stumble someone in their new found faith . No matter what role or position of honor they occupy in the ministry .. I have to pen that experience so Icould better understand the hurt that have been inflicted and learn something good from it . To respond when we were wronged by someone especially in the family of God . And also to forgive the offense and not be bitter .
Again Frank . You really tickle me when you point my mistakes . I do love that . Your observation and keen sense of critique is legendary . God bless brother ...

[Frank]

Its a pleasure to share dear brother in the Lord, all that I have posted above is found in the Word of God, if not please tell me.

[NeiL ArandA]

Frank I followed and swapped the two words for the first line of introduction . It does sounds better . I went with from instead of to before the line the rest . I kept the original line after the word FACET .This person is happy whether its sunshine or rainy days. Changed its to their for the arrows . The word read vs seen . I kept the original word . Sometimes people that dont know God may see your life and you can be the only Bible they read . Cologne vs balm . I kept the original word Frank . It ryme with Sharon and its really saying that people who are really walking the talk . You can also smell Jesus in them . Your attracted and drawn to that joyful life and sparks they have . I went ahead and changed the lines roots held each other into entwined . Thank you .

[Frank]

Fragrance would be a better word Neil, but tis your poem.

[NeiL ArandA]

Brother Frank I forgot to sign out again . You mean as substitute for cologne . I have already used that word once for franchinsence . Theres a transition from archaic to modern . Then it ryme a bit with Sharon . Thank you for critiquing this piece . Its a delight to have another experienced poet look at it .

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A constructed and validated piece that seeks to share wisdom as guidance, bravo, well done, good read.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Thomas for the read ...Will return back the kindness ..

[MomzillaNC]

A lovely spiritual testament.

NIV Luke 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

[NeiL ArandA]

Absolutely right . Christian who had professed to know the Lord for a long time can be used by the Enemy or Satan to be a source of stumbling block if they are not careful . This does not exempt aleader or priest or pastor or minister of the church . Gossiping is the most effective tool to really get someone derailed in their new found faith . And many left churches and fellowships because of this . We are eager to share the truth without love and meekness ... People read that ...

[MomzillaNC]

Good cautionary advice for all!

[Matching Socks]

You've written a beautiful poem for your friend Neil.
I appreciate the author note too.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thank you Ana ...The Mighty Redwood to the north The Oaks to the sought . The Narra to my former country of birth and the Cedar of Lebanon to the Middleast . I pick the latter to stay close to biblical elements and geography . Thanks ...will return the favor .

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Beautiful poem, Neil, with so much metaphors in it. Great imagery too. Once united, then must part and love becomes hatred. Wounds never to forget, but hope is stil present in that fertile heart. Very good, Neil, I liked it. :) Rudi

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks again Rudi for your patronage. Sometimes the one that we cared, loved and valued the most could sometimes hurt and wound us the most.

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

Lovely my friend I've missed reading your
breathtaking writes.



I hope you're well my friend thank you
for sharing.

Blessing. Benita/ kindred poet

[NeiL ArandA]

wow thank you sis ..its good to hear from you again

[Benita-Staebell M - KindredPoet]

I've missed reading your poetry :) you're welcome I enjoyed reading it I will have to read more again it is always so peaceful. Blessing. Benita/ kindred poet

[Frieda P]

This is stunning Neil, to have a friend as such is a gift indeed. Powerful poetry, and I learned something new, always a plus, enjoyed muchly.

[NeiL ArandA]

Ms Frieda , thanks for stopping by I too owe you one. I'll drop by on your house to see what I have been missing. Glad you like it.

[gabrielle]

The Cedar reminded me of the story of Samson -- even the strongest could fall sometimes.
When we put someone at the pedestal on account of his goodness and godliness, it seems harder to find forgiveness when we knew that he is contradicting what he previously preached or stood up for. We feel betrayed. We sometimes feel deceived and disillusioned. But in the end, the unconditional love sown in our heart will pave way to forgiveness...

[NeiL ArandA]

I'll be back for your comments. So many things I see on your take. Have a blessed day my fellow writer.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and there are people who are just as prized for their good qualities...they make the best friends and/or lovers...

they stand tall and strong, modest and giving...like you so well describe here.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks again JACOB for reading my piece. I appreciate your take here.