Linger/One Step at a Time
by Melinda Yeoh
Two poems about slowing down and seeking God’s presence in a beleaguered world (with writer’s notes for each poem).
Linger – A poem about taking time to slow down in this harried world.
Linger for a coffee, a meal,
a chat with a friend;
linger so you can see
when you can lend someone a helping hand.
Linger for a touch,
a stroke on your children’s hair,
a smile to a stranger,
often the littlest mean so much
Linger for silence;
a precious space to be in God’s presence
Linger…when things get too much,
close your eyes and breathe,
there you’ll find relief.
Linger…smile awhile, rest awhile,
laugh awhile, read awhile,
let your racing heart just slowly walk awhile;
when you are back on track in the centre,
you’ll find God there;
lovingly waiting for you all these while.
Writer’s note:
Linger. This word resonates with my heart. It seems to be the word my soul is whispering to me…and a plea to some of us in this harried world.
My friends, I hope you’ll remember to enjoy the pleasure of lingering over moments.
One Step at a Time — My Daily Bread
This poem on the struggles in life was written in a moment of helplessness, and my need for the certainty of the Lord.
When I think of the long road ahead
the troubles and sorrows that may
crush me inside
And I would die—a little each time
Oh, I’ve lost all zest
for a better life
I’ve lost control. I kiss it goodbye
There’s nothing I can do
and I’ve nowhere to hide
So, I run, run, run to You
I run, run, run to You
Give me today my daily bread.
Won’t You please,
give me today my daily bread?
And help me to live day by day;
one step at a time.
Writer’s note:
This poem was written in a breathing out of helplessness. I needed the certainty of the Lord. To take one step at a time.
I was feeling kinda tired. Overwhelmed. Thinking of the present, and the troubles-to-come.
What happens if my husband gets more ill?
What happens if he leaves me first?
What happens if…
What happens if…
About the Writer
Melinda is a self-taught writer who only realised her intense love for writing — after two decades of writing. She’s now happily writing full-time, dividing her time between her blog and newsletter of poems and essays on life, and writing for other blogs.
